Booking.com signs on to Sydney WorldPride as major partner
Travel marketplace Booking.com will be the major partner for two Sydney WorldPride events over February and March, signing onto the global event as its exclusive digital travel provider.
The partnership is an extension of the company’s Travel Proud programme, an initiative dedicated to facilitating a more inclusive travel experience for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Through the partnership, Booking.com will host a dedicated stage at Oxford Street festival hub, Pride Villages, in addition to sponsoring the three-day Human Rights Conference hosted at Sydney’s International Convention Centre from March 1-3.
“At Booking.com, we believe everyone should be able to experience the world as themselves, always. Travel should ideally be all about positive experiences, adventure and enjoyment. Yet for many LGBTQIA+ travellers, this can often be a very different reality, as a majority (82%) have experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable moments when travelling*,” explained Arjan Dijk, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Booking.com.
“There is still much work to do across the industry to make welcoming experiences the norm for everyone – no matter who they love, how they identify or where they come from.
“In addition to celebrating the revitalization of the Australian tourism sector, our sponsorship of Sydney WorldPride is a symbol of our continued investment in supporting rainbow communities everywhere and our commitment to enable truly inclusive travel experiences in even more places around the world.”
Sydney WorldPride CEO, Kate Wickett, added: “Sydney WorldPride is proud to partner with one of the world’s most exciting digital travel companies, Booking.com as they continue to ensure inclusive and welcoming properties are available for Rainbow travellers across the globe. Sydney is open and excited to welcome all to our shores!”
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Albert Kruger, also offered: “The 2023 Festival is going to attract a lot of local and international visitors, so it’s fantastic to have one of the world’s leading digital travel companies on board as a partner. Booking.com is a company that is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ people. As well as creating a safe and inclusive environment within their own organisation, they support our communities in finding inclusive accommodation options when they are planning their next trip away.”
The company is the latest to join the WorldPride sponsor line-up, joining principal partner AMEX, marketing agency partner M&C Saatchi, presenting partner Coles and other partners MINI Australia and Deloitte.
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