The Certification Program, together with the Accreditation Program, forms a comprehensive pathway for hotels aiming to become genuinely LGBTQ+ welcoming. Certification is an in-depth evaluation process that verifies how organizations translate their commitment into concrete policies and practices, ensuring respectful and effective engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.
The Accreditation Program, by contrast, is a preparatory step designed for hotels that are new to LGBTQ+ inclusion or require structured support before undergoing certification. It provides a range of services aimed at building the necessary competencies to address the specific needs of LGBTQ+ guests and employees.
These services include training and consultancy, offering practical tools to support staff education, the development of inclusive internal policies and improvements in customer service practices.
In addition, the Accreditation Program supports hotels in implementing necessary changes within their premises, ranging from physical adaptations, such as gender-neutral facilities, to cultural initiatives that foster an inclusive working environment.
Upon completion of the Accreditation Program, hotels are equipped with the skills and resources required to successfully undergo the Certification audit. Together, Accreditation and Certification work synergistically to provide a structured and credible pathway toward authentic LGBTQ+ inclusion.