Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Southeast Asia and Japan, Accor properties have enthusiastically embraced the festivities, showcasing their commitment to inclusivity and acceptance.
Garth Simmons, the Chief Executive Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division in Asia, expressed the company’s delight in actively participating in Pride Month celebrations. He emphasized that these celebrations resonate with Accor’s core values, and they strive to foster inclusive environments in their hotels worldwide. Their primary goal is to ensure that all guests feel safe, welcome, and proud, irrespective of their identity or travel destination. To this end, Accor has organized a range of inspiring events and collaborated with various entities, underscoring their dedication to diversity and empowering communities throughout the region.
Accor, a renowned hospitality group with over 5,400 properties across 110 countries, is a global supporter of LGBTQ+ tourism. In a groundbreaking move in June 2021, Accor partnered with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a leading global organization committed to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism. This partnership aimed to foster safe and inclusive spaces within the hospitality industry and drive equality in the travel sector. As part of Accor’s broader Diversity & Inclusion commitment, this collaboration signifies the company’s dedication to welcoming and valuing LGBTQ+ team members, clients, and communities.
Throughout Pride Month, Accor properties have embraced the spirit of inclusivity with various highlights. These properties have organized diverse and engaging events, promoting LGBTQ+ culture and rights. From rainbow-themed decorations and pride flag displays to hosting special LGBTQ+ themed gatherings, the properties have actively demonstrated their support for the community. Additionally, partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations and charities have further reinforced Accor’s commitment to creating positive impacts on the ground.
In conclusion, Accor’s involvement in Pride Month celebrations in Southeast Asia and Japan showcases their dedication to fostering inclusive environments within the hospitality industry. By actively supporting LGBTQ+ tourism and collaborating with organizations like IGLTA, Accor is leading the way in driving positive change and promoting equality in the travel sector.
Through their actions and events, Accor properties have exemplified the spirit of Pride Month, making strides towards a more diverse and accepting world.
Supporting Local Arts and Charity in Silom
During the vibrant Bangkok PRIDE Month 2023 Multi-Venue Charity Art Exhibition Initiative, ibis Styles Bangkok Silom has become a prominent venue showcasing an impressive array of artworks from talented Bangkok-based artists. This exciting event, presented by SINGLE USE Productions, takes place throughout June and July.
Upon entering the lobby of ibis Styles Bangkok Silom, visitors are treated to an extraordinary experience within an immersive room. Renowned artist Raine Grady has crafted a captivating display featuring a series of toys and images intricately constructed from fabric and bamboo. The exhibition’s theme revolves around the powerful concepts of Acceptance, Community & Equality, inviting people to explore an inspiring collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, poetry, and immersive experiences at various venues within the Silom neighborhood.
Beyond the artistic enrichment, the exhibition serves a meaningful purpose by raising funds for the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand. This charitable organization provides vital support to community initiatives aimed at combating violence, stigma, and discrimination faced by lesbian and transgender women. The funds are raised through generous donations at numerous free installations and also through ticketed events held on Friday and Saturday nights until July 8, 2023.
The Bangkok PRIDE Month 2023 Multi-Venue Charity Art Exhibition Initiative is a celebration of creativity and diversity, promoting important messages of acceptance, unity, and equal rights for all. By participating in this exhibition, ibis Styles Bangkok Silom is not only showcasing local artistic talent but also actively contributing to a more inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals in Thailand.
Auctions & Panels in Osaka
Swissôtel Nankai Osaka made history as the pioneering Accor property and the very first hotel in Asia to achieve IGLTA accreditation, successfully passing the organization’s comprehensive and mandatory audit. As a passionate participant in IGLTA’s advocacy efforts, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka proudly contributed vouchers to the 2023 IGLTA Pride Auction. Furthermore, Shane Leslie Edwards, the General Manager of the hotel, actively participated as a panelist during the IGLTA Accredited™ Global Launch on June 22, 2023. During this event, Mr. Edwards shared the inspiring journey of the hotel’s IGLTA accreditation and highlighted the various initiatives the establishment implemented to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion within the hospitality industry.
Parades, Pride Lunch, and TikTok Prizes in Manila
Novotel Manila Araneta City wholeheartedly supports the LGBTQ+ community, and their dedication to celebrating Pride goes beyond just the month of June; it extends throughout the entire year. However, June, being Pride Month, becomes a particularly vibrant and joyous time for the hotel. During this period, a colorful rainbow flag proudly adorns the hotel’s facade, and the talented staff actively participate in the Pride parade as it passes by.
In the spirit of celebration, Novotel Manila Araneta City participated in Araneta City’s #RampaSaAraneta Tiktok contest from 5th to 30th June 2023. They generously offered a night’s stay at the hotel as a prize for winners of the contest, which encouraged pedestrians to showcase their unique “it factor” while confidently walking on the “#PRIDEstrian and #ForestOfHue.”
Diversity and inclusivity are essential values at Novotel Manila Araneta City, ensuring an all-embracing work environment for their team members. As part of this commitment, all staff members actively participate in diversity awareness training to become accommodating and welcoming hosts to everyone. Moreover, the hotel organizes Awareness Seminars, where prominent members of the local LGBTQ+ community visit the establishment to meet with employees, fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the diverse perspectives and backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community.
Colourful Delights at Bangkok Airport
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel embraced and celebrated Pride Month by embracing the beauty of diversity through a delightful culinary journey and a series of special events. Throughout the entire month of June, the hotel treated its guests to a vibrant and flavorful array of dishes from all its outlets. The offerings included a delightful selection of colorful dim sum, a delectable vegetarian rainbow pizza, creatively crafted bento boxes bursting with colors, a delightful array of treats from the rainbow bakery, and a variety of colorful drinks to complement the festivities.
To elevate the celebration further, the hotel introduced a special Pride-themed menu for its Colorful Brunch, providing guests with a unique and delicious dining experience. Additionally, a special Pride welcome drink added an extra touch of joy and celebration to the occasion.
As a grand finale to the Pride Month festivities, Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel hosted an exuberant Colorful Party at the Touchdown Sports Bar on June 29, 2023. The party was filled with lively dancing to the beats of a talented DJ’s playlist, and guests were thrilled by a captivating cabaret show, making it an unforgettable night of merriment and jubilation.
Garth Simmons, a representative from the hotel, expressed the strong belief in promoting equality and equity in society, viewing it as an essential and just cause. Emphasizing the power of inclusion as a daily choice, the hotel was immensely proud to celebrate the beauty of diversity together with its dedicated team members, known as “Heartists,” and valued hotel guests. By standing together, they aimed to advocate for a world where everyone’s worth and contributions are acknowledged and appreciated. Gratitude was extended to the hotels and guests across the region for their unwavering support in promoting inclusion, and there was an eagerness to continue hosting fun and inspiring Pride activities in the future.
