In collaboration with Mexico-based travel company Queer Destinations, analytical firm ForwardKeys aims to advance inclusivity and diversity for the LGBTQ+ community in tourism data.
According to a press statement by ForwardKeys, the two companies emphasised the significance of improving the management of the LGBTQ+ tourism segment, as well as combatting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and ensuring proper care for them.
The statement adds that Queer Destinations team brought attention to the concerning lack of comprehensive studies and information on LGBTQ+ tourists and highlighted the need for more up-to-date and specific data in this regard.
“This agreement makes us the first and the only company in the industry to have the ability to have the data that shows us the true impact of the world’s LGBTQ+ travellers. It will also allow us to show what the potential of the segment can be and highlight with greater intensity the before and after the step of working, from a company or tourist destination, with Queer Destinations,” says Oriol Pamies, Founder of Queer Destinations.
“We live in a highly competitive industry where data plays a fundamental role in the decisions made by businesses in reference to innovative markets such as the LGBTQ+ traveller segment. Having this first-hand information will allow us to demonstrate once again the potential of this segment and the importance of working together on strategies to attract it,” says Edgar Weggelaar, CEO of Queer Destinations.
As per reports from Out Now Consulting, the LGBTQ+ tourism sector could potentially contribute up to USD 218 billion in revenue annually, accounting for 10 pc of global travellers as reported by the World Tourism Organisation. This significant data could now be efficiently managed and utilised to gain a better understanding of its reception, management, and true worth, all thanks to this historic partnership.
“The travel industry understands the power of data and uses it to offer personalised travel experiences to all types of travellers, including the LGBTQ+ segment. By collaborating and analysing data, companies can gain insights into the preferences and needs of travellers. This helps them tailor their services and destinations more accurately, making everyone feel welcome and understood. Data-driven collaboration ensures that all travellers receive inclusive and personalised travel experiences,” adds Juan A Gomez, Head of Market Intelligence at ForwardKeys.