HBX Group has signed a Letter of Intent with Queer Destinations to work together on making global tourism safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ+ travellers.
The partnership will see HBX Group adopt Queer Destinations’ “Committed” standards, which include training all employees on LGBTQ+ inclusion. The two organisations will also work with hotels, destinations, and other partners to create more welcoming environments and integrate inclusive booking tools.
The LGBTQ+ travel market is worth more than $4.7 trillion each year – big enough that, if it were a country, it would be the world’s fourth-largest economy. Both organisations say the goal is to shift how the tourism sector approaches diversity and inclusion and to make travel safer and more accessible.
“At Queer Destinations, we believe that inclusion is not only an essential value but also a driver of innovation and growth in tourism,” said Edgar Weggelaar, CEO of Queer Destinations. “Pinkwashing is no longer acceptable. Travellers demand actions that generate real impact within companies and across society as a whole.”
Queer Destinations founder Oriol Pamies said the timing of the partnership is significant. “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under threat in many parts of the world, this alliance allows us to continue building safe spaces for the queer community — setting a new global standard that will forever change the way we travel.”
Elena Perez, Chief Human Resources and ESG Officer at HBX Group, said the collaboration is an important move for the company. “At HBX Group, we believe that travel should be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. Partnering with Queer Destinations is a meaningful step toward sparking genuine transformation in how our industry understands and embraces diversity, inclusion, and safety.”
Pamies added that the community plays a powerful role in shaping the industry: “With every purchasing decision, the LGBTQ+ community can reward the companies that openly support us — those who choose to stand on the right side of history.”
As part of the partnership, HBX Group will roll out diversity training across its teams, work with global partners to improve inclusion, and launch a joint communication strategy to highlight the initiative and encourage others in the tourism sector to follow suit.
