Be QV Certified
The first LGBTQ+ Index to measure gender inclusivity in tourism.
Who Can Be QueerVadis Certified?
QueerVadis Certified organizations include travel companies and destinations that have adopted the QueerVadis DE&I Standard and formally committed to the QueerVadis Ethical Code. Certification recognizes organizations that meet high, verified standards of diversity, equity and inclusion across both guest experience and workplace practices. QueerVadis Certification provides professional validation for public and private travel organizations seeking to be formally recognized as LGBTQ+ welcoming, based on their concrete commitment to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of LGBTQ+ travelers and employees.
Why the LGBTQ+ Travel Market?
LGBTQ+ consumers are widely recognized as high-spending travelers, trendsetters and opinion leaders. According to industry research, LGBTQ+ travelers spend on average up to 38% more than the general market, making this segment particularly relevant for the tourism industry. For this reason, companies have long tested new products, services and communication strategies within the LGBTQ+ market before launching them to mainstream audiences. Beyond purchasing power, LGBTQ+ consumers also value social legitimacy and authenticity, and therefore tend to favor brands that openly and credibly address their needs and values. As a result, loyalty levels among LGBTQ+ consumers toward inclusive and openly supportive brands are consistently high, making this market both economically relevant and strategically influential.
Why Join the Certification Program?
Improve Social Impact
BBe part of positive change. Social challenges cannot be addressed by government actions alone. What businesses do can positively or negatively impact society. Improve social impact in your area by creating an inclusive workplace, communicating your commitment to stakeholders, and welcoming LGBTQ+ customers with professionalism and respect.
Improve Brand Reputation
Engaging with the LGBTQ+ market and supporting its values means being recognized as an inclusive organization not only by the LGBTQ+ community, but also by consumers who value social sustainability.
Today, the LGBTQ+ community increasingly demands concrete actions rather than “pinkwashing” campaigns. Joining the QV Protocol helps strengthen brand image and reputation through real and credible commitments.
ESG Criteria
Improve ESG performance and social reporting, strengthening your organization’s credibility with public and private investors.
Improve Employee Wellbeing
People want to work in inclusive workplaces where diversity is considered an added value. Many organizations have adopted diversity and inclusion policies, and company culture increasingly influences where talent chooses to work.
Supporting diversity helps improve the corporate climate, employee wellbeing and productivity, while supporting talent attraction and retention.
Increase Business Opportunities
Developing an inclusive marketing and communication approach aligned with the QueerVadis DE&I Protocol allows organizations to engage with the LGBTQ+ travel market, characterized by high spending power, strong loyalty and frequent travel.
Discover the Benefits of Our Program
- License to use the QueerVadis logo;
- Free access to the Training Platform;
- Free access to the LGBTQ+ AI Index (HTML widget included):
- Listing on the QV Web Directory;
- Social Media Marketing Toolkit;
- Featured in QMagazine – “What’s In” section
- Two complimentary tickets to the QPrize Gala Award;
- 10% discount on IGLTA, ELTA and AITGL membership fees.
How to become a QV Certified
Online Assessment
Complete the free online assessment.
Results
Receive clear results and guidance on areas for improvement.
Training
Complete the educational training with QueerVadis or with another provider.
Accreditation
You become a QueerVadis Accredited Organization, marking the first step toward inclusion.
Collection of Evidence
Document actions supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion, such as events, media coverage and partnerships.
Handbook
Develop your internal handbook of procedures and your Manifesto.
Audit
Undergo transparent verification by the third-party certification body RINA.
Certification
Become a QueerVadis Approved organization certified by RINA.
Badge
Display the certification badge across marketing and sales channels.
Implementation
Put the program’s principles into practice across daily operations.
Annual Surveillance
Complete a surveillance audit each year to confirm ongoing compliance.
Re-certification
Renew certification through a re-certification audit every three years.