With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, no matter who they are, who they love, or how they identify, Booking.com, launched the ‘Awaken Your Pridest Dream’ campaign in partnership with Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel and House of Heals. Held on June 27, 2025, the exclusive experience featured a luxurious stay and a celebration of inclusivity, belonging, and self-expression.
According to Booking.com’s recent Travel Proud research, 75% of Thai LGBTQ+ travelers continue to face discrimination when traveling and 65% of them say that they modify aspects of their appearance and behavior to avoid potential discrimination. However, the research also shows that Thai LGBTQ+ travelers recognize progress within the travel industry, with 83% saying increased inclusivity has made them feel more comfortable when traveling.
“The inspiration of the Awaken Your Pridest Dream campaign comes from what we have heard directly from travelers—they want travel experiences that are more inclusive, welcoming, and personalized. Through our collaboration with Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel and House of Heals, we wanted to deliver just that: a seamless, comfortable, and celebratory moment that ensured our guests felt seen, valued, and free to be their authentic selves.” Branavan Aruljothi, Area Manager at Booking.com, stated about the partnership.
For this campaign, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel offered an opportunity for consumers to experience a night in the luxurious Ratchaphruek Suite, their exclusive three-bedroom Presidential Suite, which could only be booked on Booking.com. “Thanks to Booking.com and this incredible campaign for providing us with such a memorable experience,” said Cokezy (Witchapon Puntan), a lucky booker and the contestant from The Voice Pride 2025 Thailand. “From the thoughtful service by the well-trained staff to the activities arranged during the stay, we truly felt welcomed and free to be ourselves without hesitation.”
In order to provide a truly seamless experience that is inclusive–from staff training to the service the hotel provides, it’s all about making a welcoming space for every guest, according to Mr. Shrey Arora, Acting General Manager from Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our values of inclusivity and self-expression, and we see it as a powerful way to spark conversations, support the LGBTQ+ community, and inspire others to embrace diversity with pride,” he added.
M.L. Petra Saktidej Bhanubandh, Executive Director – Marketing from Maneeya Realty Co., Ltd., the owning company of Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, also emphasized that “inclusivity has been part of our identity since day one. While Pride Month comes once a year, our commitment goes far beyond a single moment — it’s something we live out every day. Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where diversity and equality are not just acknowledged, but truly celebrated.”
Apart from the exclusive stay provided, the ‘Awaken Your Pridest Dream’ was also brought to reality at the House of Heals bar, inviting everyone to express their true selves with trusted friends and community in a safe space where everyone can feel seen and proud. To make it even more special, this night featured an exclusive drag show from Pangina Heals, a world-renowned drag icon, alongside an extraordinary lineup of top drag artists from Thailand for a one-of-a-kind showcase crafted especially for this event.
Pangina Heals shared “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m heartened to see Thailand’s legal support and the incredible efforts of allies in the travel industry. Campaigns like this are powerful reminders that inclusive travel experiences are possible and that we all deserve to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.”
The ‘Awaken Your Pridest Dream’ campaign stands as a celebration of freedom, self-expression, and inclusive travel. It’s a testament to what’s possible from the industry—from online travel agencies and accommodations to attractions—when it comes together to create welcoming spaces across the entire travel journey.
