Source: Press release, and Advocate
A new online training and accreditation system for the tourism industry was launched this week. The program teaches businesses innovative and efficient ways to approach LGBT people and their common travel issues.

One of the most keenly sought-after travel segments is the gay and lesbian travel market. Worth billions annually, in 2008 more hotels, tour operators, travel agents and destinations than ever now actively target gay travelers.

But, according to the press release, gay travelers say they often leave less than impressed -- as a result of experiencing poor customer service while on vacation.

The training program called GayComfort deals with how gay customers differ from other customers, how they are the same, what specific concerns they have with the travel industry, and what wording or phrases to avoid when accommodating them.

The product meets a need on both the consumer and supplier sides according to Ian Johnson, CEO of Out Now -- the consulting company that developed the program.

"Gay travelers have for years been telling us stories of bad customer service ruining their vacations," said Johnson. "From mild discomfort to outright homophobia, the stories differ, but one thing is constant. The result has been that many gay people experience stress at various stages of a vacation - from making a booking to hotel check-in to ordering room service. They are unsure how each individual staff member might react to them being gay. When you think that the whole point of a vacation is to relax and feel comfortable, that situation is far from ideal."

The training also informs businesses about common myths and stereotypes to avoid as well as ways staffers can avoid seeming homophobic.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has partnered with Out Now to bring GayComfort training to its members.

Tom Nibbio, Global Ambassador of IGLTA, responsible for the association's worldwide membership and sponsorship growth, said the new GayComfort training program meets a strong market need.

"With literally billions in gay tourism dollars, euro and pounds up for grabs each year, it seems likely this product should find an industry ready and willing to learn how to improve the ways it delivers customer service to the gay travel segment," Nibbio said.

Full article: New Website Provides Gay Tips for Travel Industry  | News | Advocate.com
New Online GayComfort Training Program Launches For Global Travel and Tourism Industry Staff | PRinside.com