Member hotels are encouraged to undergo LGBT-welcoming training and required to put together an "Out & About" information guide providing tips about their local gay & lesbian scene, which can be downloaded from the hotel's profile on WRH's website.
LONDON – World Rainbow Hotels (WRH), the world’s leading collection of gay & lesbian-welcoming hotels, was named as the best hotel website at the Travolution Awards in London last night.
The awards are unique in recognising companies, brands and individuals who excel in the fields of online travel distribution, digital marketing and technology. Judged by a panel of proven business leaders, experts and entrepreneurs, they are the UK travel industry’s highest accolade for innovation and excellence online.
The 1,200 hotels in 129 worldwide destinations displayed on the World Rainbow Hotels website have all been put through a rigorous set of screening criteria, including analysis of their current involvement with the LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender) community, compliance with non-discrimination policies and same-sex benefits for their staff.
Member hotels are encouraged to undergo LGBT-welcoming training and required to put together an “Out & About” information guide providing tips about their local gay & lesbian scene, which can be downloaded from the hotel’s profile on WRH’s website.
Sharon Wimborne, eCommerce Director, said, “We are delighted to have won Travolution’s Best Hotel Website award. We feel we have developed a unique online proposition as well as some innovative ways for the LGBT community to share experiences and contribute to the assessment and suitability of LGBT-welcoming properties around the world.”
The website’s uniqueness comes in great part from its original, information-rich content and its interactivity, making it a place where users can obtain up-to-date recommendations about the properties’ local gay & lesbian scene and share their experiences with others.
Nicolas Wijnants, WRH Brand Director, said, “We understood that LGBT travellers needed more than just a web-listing of gay-friendly hotels and events. It was essential to build a strong community of hoteliers, customers and travel agents where they could share information, advice and travel tips relevant to the LGBT community.”
WRH also works closely with its member hotels to provide its customers with the most competitive rates on the market, and create with them innovative promotions and rate packages that can be booked only on WRH’s site. Member hotels also provide negotiated rates for WRH’s demand partners and travel agencies.
To better collaborate with affiliated travel agencies and tour operators, WRH developed a dedicated Agent Portal which enables demand partners to securely book exclusive discounted rates while earning enhanced commissions. Registered agencies can view agent’s commission information, as well as view, manage and amend their own bookings and branded client communications.
The World Rainbow Hotels programme and website is looking for suitable new hotels. To participate, hotels can submit their RFP either electronically via Lanyon or Nexus or by contacting WRH offices at info@worldrainbowhotels.com.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
