Hotels.com is the latest travel business to wave the rainbow flag proudly in celebration of this year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and to showcase its support for marriage equality in Australia.
In an open letter from Vice President Asia-Pacific, Abhiram Chowdhry said as an accommodation website the company understands that “love and life comes in all shapes and sizes” and supports the right of its employees to live “in an environment free of prejudice and discrimination and enjoy the same freedoms that opposite-sex couples enjoy”.
“Times have changed. Diversity makes the workplace and the world a better place.”
Abhiram Chowdhry, Hotels.com Vice President Asia-Pacific
He continued, explaining that a recent study showed around 72 percent of Australians believe same-sex couples should be allowed to marry and globally around 20 countries have passed laws to allow same-sex marriage, including the US, UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Canada.
Last month, hotel group, AccorHotels, picked up the rainbow flag for the same cause, pledging its support for equal marriage around Australia.
As part of the pledge, Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said an equal society allows employees to function “at their best”.
He continued, saying it is a priority to ensure the company’s staff and guests feel welcome regardless of their gender, race, religion or sexuality.
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Meanwhile, Tourism Ireland will return to the Mardi Gras this year to follow up on its triumphant turn in last year’s parade.
The Irish float will be back again but apparently it will be bigger, brighter and bolder with around 140 dancers.
Check out this behind the scenes video of what to expect: