Accor properties in Southeast Asia and Japan have joined the celebrations for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, in ways both large and small.
“We at Accor are delighted to be actively involved in the vibrant celebrations during Pride Month, which are aligned with our core values of inclusivity and acceptance,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia. “Our goal is to create inclusive environments at our hotels worldwide and to make our guests feel safe, welcome, and proud, no matter who they are or where they are visiting. With an array of inspiring events and collaborations, we have showcased our commitment to diversity and empowering communities across the region.”
As a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,400 properties throughout more than 110 countries, Accor is a global supporter of LGBTQ+ tourism and a partner of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA).
Here are a few highlights of how Accor properties have embodied the spirit of Pride Month.
Accor’s Commitment to Inclusion
In June 2021, Accor and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), the leading member-based global organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism, announced a Global Partnership to ensure the hospitality industry is a safe and inclusive space for all and facilitate and drive equality within the travel sector. That collaboration was the first step in demonstrating the new, essential pillar within Accor’s Diversity & Inclusion commitment: to increase momentum in welcoming and valuing LGBTQ+ team m members, clients and communities.
Supporting Local Arts and Charity in Silom
In June and July, ibis Styles Bangkok Silom is one of the venues to showcase a variety of stunning artworks from Bangkok-based artists during the Bangkok PRIDE Month 2023 Multi-Venue Charity Art Exhibition Initiative, presented by SINGLE USE Productions. In the lobby of ibis Styles Bangkok Silom, visitors can experience an immersive room that features a series of toys and images constructed of fabric and bamboo by the artist Raine Grady. Themed around the concepts of Acceptance, Community & Equality, the exhibition invites people to explore inspiring paintings, drawings, sculptures, poetry, and immersive experiences across multiple venues in the Silom neighbourhood.
The exhibition is raising funds for the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, which supports community organizations working to combat violence, stigma and discrimination against lesbian and transgender women. Funds are raised through donations at the many free installations as well as ticketed events on Friday and Saturday nights from 16 June through to 8 July 2023. The hotel also had discounted beverage specials based around Pride Month and the exhibition.
Auctions & Panels in Osaka
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka was the first Accor property and first hotel in Asia to be IGLTA accredited, after passing the organization’s all-or-nothing mandatory audit. Playing an active role in IGLTA’s campaigns, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka donated vouchers for the 2023 IGLTA Pride Auction. Shane Leslie Edwards, General Manager, also joined as a panelist at the IGLTA Accredited™ Global Launch last 22 June 2023, sharing the hotel’s IGLTA accreditation journey and the initiatives the hotel implemented to support LGBTQ+ inclusion in the hospitality industry.
Parades, Pride Lunch, and TikTok Prizes in Manila
Novotel Manila Araneta City is an enthusiastic supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, with the hotel’s talents celebrating Pride not just during the month of June, but all year long. That said, Pride Month is naturally the liveliest time of year, with June seeing the hotel raising a rainbow flag in front of its façade, where hotel talents joined the Pride parade as it passed. Novotel Manila Araneta City gave away a night’s stay at the hotel to winners of Araneta City’s #RampaSaAraneta Tiktok contest from 5 June to 30 June 2023 , which challenges pedestrians to “have the it factor to slay your walk” on the “#PRIDEstrian and #ForestOfHue”.
To ensure Novotel Manila Araneta City has an inclusive working environment, all talents take part in diversity awareness training that prepares them to be accommodating hosts to people from all walks of life. There are even Awareness Seminars, in which notable members of the local LGBTQ+ community visit the hotel and meet with employees.
Colourful Delights at Bangkok Airport
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel celebrated Pride Month by showcasing the beauty of diversity through culinary treats and special events. Throughout the month of June, guests were treated to a variety of colourful and delicious dishes from all outlets across the hotel, including colourful dim sum, vegetarian rainbow pizza, colourful bento boxes, a rainbow bakery, and colourful drinks. The hotel also debuted a Colourful Brunch, featuring a unique Pride-themed menu and a special Pride welcome drink. To cap off Pride Month, Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel hosted a Colourful Party at Touchdown Sports Bar on 29 June 2023, for a night of dancing to the DJ’s fun playlist and enjoying a spectacular cabaret show.
“We believe strongly in driving equality and equity in society, it is simply the right thing to do. While diversity is a fact, inclusion is a choice we must make every day. As such, we are proud to celebrate the beauty of diversity with our Heartists and hotel guests. Together, we can stand strong and advocate for a world where everyone matters. I want to thank each of our hotels and our guests for supporting inclusion across the region, and I look forward to more fun and inspiring Pride activities in the future,” added Garth Simmons.
