kabarsula GALTA endorses LGBTQIA+ tourism training and accreditation program Welcome With Pride bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia (GALTA) has endorsed Welcome With Pride as its official LGBTQIA+ inclusion training and accreditation program, giving tourism operators a clearer pathway to creating welcoming visitor experiences.

The partnership will give GALTA members access to specialised training and independent accreditation. It will also help LGBTQIA+ travellers identify businesses committed to inclusion.

Welcome With Pride offers a 45-minute online training course that teaches tourism staff how to create inclusive guest experiences.

Businesses can then apply for accreditation, which undergoes independent assessment and annual verification.

Accredited GALTA members will receive additional promotion through GALTA’s channels and recognition on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW).

More than 3,000 tourism staff trained

Since launching in 2025, Welcome With Pride has trained more than 3,000 tourism staff across over 1,000 operators.

Participants include more than 40 Accor hotels, Hilton and Hyatt properties, the South Australian Tourism Commission, Rottnest Island Authority and Experience Co.

GALTA president Louise Terry said accreditation would help operators turn good intentions into meaningful action.

“Accreditation plays a vital role in helping tourism businesses move beyond intention and drive inclusive practices across the visitor experience,” Terry said.

“By partnering with Welcome With Pride, we’re providing our members with access to a recognised, independently verified standard that builds traveller confidence and helps ensure LGBTQIA+ visitors feel welcomed, respected and valued.”
Six in 10 travellers hide their identity
Welcome With Pride founder and director Charlie Douty said research found 60 per cent of LGBTQIA+ travellers conceal their gender or sexuality while holidaying in Australia.

“LGBTQIA+ travellers choose where they stay and what they do based on whether they can relax, let their guard down and be their authentic selves,” Douty said.

He said accreditation helps travellers identify businesses that have invested in inclusion.

“With GALTA’s endorsement, operators now have one clear, Australian-backed pathway: train your team, get accredited, get found by LGBTQIA+ travellers.”

Businesses can register their interest through the Welcome With Pride website.