Today’s travelers are seeking destinations and businesses where they feel welcomed, respected, safe, and valued. 2SLGBTQIA+ visitors represent an important and growing segment of the tourism industry, and businesses that prioritize inclusive hospitality are better positioned to attract diverse travelers, strengthen their reputation, and create positive guest experiences.
The 2SLGBTQIA+ Visitor-Friendly Tourism Certification Program is designed to help businesses build confidence, awareness, and practical skills that support inclusive tourism experiences for 2SLGBTQIA+ visitors and guests. Through education, allyship, and actionable strategies, participating businesses demonstrate their commitment to creating welcoming environments for all travelers.
Becoming certified helps businesses:
- Strengthen guest satisfaction and visitor trust
- Demonstrate leadership in inclusive hospitality practices
- Build a welcoming reputation within the tourism industry
- Increase staff awareness and confidence
- Support safer and more respectful guest interactions
- Enhance community relationships and visitor experiences
- Appeal to travelers who actively seek inclusive destinations and businesses
Upon completion of the program, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island will provide your business with further exposure:
- Being listed as 2SLGBTQIA+ Visitor-Friendly on our website, including a description and address of your business
- Decal sticker you can proudly place on your door or window, indicating you are 2SLGBTQIA+ welcoming
- Digital badges/logos for your websites and social media
- Official certificate of completion
- Opportunities to participate in marketing initiatives, including campaigns, content creation, travel itineraries and digital passes
Inclusive tourism is not only socially important – it also makes strong business sense.
The global 2SLGBTQIA+ travel market is valued at more than $315 billion USD annually, while Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ travel market alone represents over $12 billion CAD in annual tourism spending. Research from the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) also shows 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers outspend mainstream travellers significantly and prioritize destinations where they feel safe, welcomed, and authentically included. LGBTQ+ travellers are highlyengaged travellers who actively seek destinations, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and experiences where they feel genuinely welcomed and represented. Businesses known for inclusive and affirming practices are more likely to benefit from positive word-of-mouth recommendations, repeat visitation, and stronger visitor loyalty.
As tourism becomes increasingly experience-driven and values-focused, inclusive hospitality is becoming an important part of destination competitiveness and visitor satisfaction.
By participating in this certification program, your business is helping contribute to a tourism industry that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for everyone.
Training Modules
Complete the following four (4) training modules for your business to complete your W.E. Are All Welcome: The 2SLGBTQIA+ Visitor-Friendly Tourism Certification Program.
