A recent poll of European travel buyers has revealed that a growing number of corporate programmes are providing special consideration for LGBTQIA+ travellers.

According to a Business Travel Show survey, which polled 262 travel and procurement managers, 43 per cent of programmes now make provisions for the LGBTQIA+ community, up from 26 per cent in 2022, while a further 23 per cent plan to do so by the end of the year.

Despite a growing awareness among travel managers as to the specific needs of this group, the LGBTQIA+ community, along with neurodiverse people, remain among the least provided for travellers among corporate travel programmes. 

According to the research, only 39 per cent of companies cater to neurodiverse business travellers, with an additional 38 per cent planning to improve polices by the end of 2023. 

When it comes to ensuring corporate travel programmes are inclusive, most corporate travel programmes are focused on young people (54 per cent) and communities marginalised on the basis of faith, race or religion (50 per cent). Companies are also considering travellers with accessibility requirements (48 per cent), older people (47 per cent) and solo female travellers (45 per cent).

Commenting on the survey, BTN Group executive president Louis Magliaro, said: “We’re glad to see a big increase in European travel programmes making changes to their policies to provide consideration for their LGBTQIA+ travellers, as well as younger and older travellers, those with accessibility needs, and people from communities marginalised by race and religion.” 

The Institute of Travel Management (ITM) recently introduced new initiatives to support the needs of neurodivergent travellers, following a wellness survey of its members earlier this year.

ITM CEO Scott Davies said trends towards equity and inclusion are “encouraging”, adding that the association has “stepped up” its commitment in this area. This was evident at the recent ITM conference in Brighton, UK, where a ‘quiet zone’ with private booths and ambient lighting allowed delegates to take a break from the event if needed.

Donna Joines, general manager at Corporate Traveller UK, also encouraged travellers to  be “as open as possible” with their TMC to ensure needs can be accommodated.

“Being aware that we must adapt and consider things that we may not have to consider in the UK is very important for our customers’ peace of mind,” she said. 

“For example, if a traveller identifies as LGBTQ+ and needs to travel to a country where the local laws are different to the UK, we can ensure they’re booked into accommodation where they will be respected and supported with all the facilities our customer would need throughout their visit to reassure them of their safety,” she added.

Business Travel Show Europe will take place between 28-29 June 2023 at ExCeL London