Sonders & Beach Announces the 'QueerVadis' International LGBTQ+ Certification Program
The Californer/10193961

SAN FRANCISCO - Californer -- International travel and hospitality provider Sonders & Beach has partnered with RINA to officially launch the world's first LGBTQ+ certification program to identify and certify hotels, destinations and travel service providers that guarantee a safe and inclusive environment to all members of the LGBTQ+ community. The historic QueerVadis Certification Program will award accreditations to entities that meet rigorous regulatory standards and protocols to ensure LGBTQ+ clients experience a respectful and fully welcoming environment. Traveler will be guaranteed the freedom to be themselves without fear of harassment or judgement.

A Rigorous Review Process
The QueerVadis Certification Program is conducted in collaboration with the Italian LGBTQ+ Tourism Organization (AITGL). RINA's acclaimed third-party certification process will provide independent guarantee of compliance, supporting QueerVadis' policies across all aspects of projects, operations, logistics, and legislation. To earn the certification, applicants must pass a rigorous 60-point review process that includes the proper training of staff and management, adherence to a Code of Ethics, and a commitment to guaranteeing the highest level of safety, protection and service to the LGBTQ+ community.

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"LGBTQ+ travel is one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, comprising more than 10 per cent of all travelers," said Alessio Virgili, Co-Founder and CEO of Sonders & Beach. "The QueerVadis Certification Program will guarantee LGBTQ+ travelers a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment."

"We are proud to partner with Sonders & Beach to help create a world where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel respected and valued in their own identity, regardless of where they travel," said Nicola Battuello, Executive Vice President – RINA.

Growing Membership
Sonders & Beach's partnership with RINA was introduced during the recent European States General of LGBTQ+ Tourism held in Milan and organized by AITGL, the Italian body of LGBTQ+ Tourism. Participating organizations included UNWTO, ETOA, IGLTA, ENIT, Confindustria Federturismo, Fiavet, the Mayor of Milan, and the tourism bodies of eight European countries.

Current QueerVadis-certified members include the UNA Hotels Group, Leonardo Hotels, Italian Tourism Agency (ENIT), Best Western, the Municipality of Milan, and the Municipality of Crema, among others. Leonardo Hotels Central Europe, headquartered in Berlin, is responsible for a hotel portfolio in countries that include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Italy. The portfolio encompasses 84 hotels in 37 regions with more than 14,500 rooms.

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"We want every guest to know that, at our properties, they can feel completely free to be themselves," said Rafi Carmon, Country General Manager, Leonardo Hotels Italy. "The QueerVadis Certification is proof of our commitment to providing an inclusive environment of safety, support and superior service to the LGBTQ+ traveler."

More information is available at https://queervadis.com/.