Pride Month: How George goes above and beyond for his LGBTQ+ customers

As we continue our Pride Month celebrations, we sat down with George Triggs – a Travel Counsellor and member of the LGBTQ+ community – to find out why he’s so passionate about LGBTQ+ travel, and why he takes such pride in crafting itineraries which are perfectly tailored to his customers’ individual needs.

Hi George! Happy Pride Month! What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month is a deeply meaningful time for me, serving as both a celebration and a reminder. It’s a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's history, achievements, and diversity, recognising the struggles and victories that have shaped our journey towards equality. Pride Month reminds me of the importance of visibility and acceptance, reinforcing the need for continued advocacy for equal rights and social justice. It’s a time to honour those who have paved the way, to reflect on the progress made, and to renew our commitment to creating a more inclusive and understanding society.

What’s your favourite LGBTQ+ destination?

Gran Canaria is my absolute favourite LGBTQ+ destination! The town of Playa del Ingles is so famous for being one of the most popular gay beach spots in all of Europe. There are tons of amazing gay resorts and hotels in the area, as well as a super lively gay bar and club scene.

The island attracts people of all ages, young and not so young, and the best part is that the whole vibe is totally welcoming and free of any attitudes. The Pride celebration held in and around Maspalomas each year, usually in May, is absolutely amazing and so colourful!

You’ve helped same-sex couples to plan their honeymoon – how did your own background and experience have a positive impact on your customers?

This year, I had the pleasure of sending two same-sex couples on their honeymoon to Thailand and they had an amazing time creating memories.

When I went on my own honeymoon to Thailand, I felt so safe and secure that I knew my clients would feel the same. I even visited my clients at home to share my own experiences and photos to help plan their perfect honeymoon down to the smallest detail. They were thrilled with the itinerary and had the time of their lives!

Can you believe that only 29 countries in the world legally recognise same-sex marriage? It's a sobering reminder of how lucky some of us are. As a queer traveller myself, I know how important it is to feel welcomed in your chosen destination, especially after a post-nuptial high.

Luckily, there are some super-inclusive and incredible places for LGBTQ+ folks to visit in addition to Thailand and Gran Canaria, like Mykonos, Sydney, Rio, and Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s pacific coast to name a few.

Why is it important for you to speak openly and honestly about LGBTQ+ travel?

Speaking openly about LGBTQ+ travel is important to me for several key reasons. Firstly, safety is paramount. Open conversations help LGBTQ+ travellers identify destinations where they can travel safely and be themselves without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence.

Secondly, it raises awareness about the specific challenges LGBTQ+ travellers face, such as legal issues, cultural attitudes, and the availability of LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations and services.

I also think that highlighting the needs and preferences of LGBTQ+ travellers can positively influence the travel industry and encourage businesses to cater to this demographic and promote inclusivity.

What considerations do you keep in mind when planning travel for same-sex couples to ensure their experience is welcoming and enjoyable?

I research the legal status of same-sex relationships in the destination. Some countries have laws against same-sex relationships, which can affect the safety and experience for my clients. I’ll also check whether the destination offers legal protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals, and look at travel advisories in case certain regions pose higher risks.

I look into cultural attitudes as well as the legal status – in some places it might be legal, but there may be cultural attitudes towards same-sex couples. For example, public displays of affection may be frowned upon, or even considered dangerous. I familiarise myself with local customs and etiquette so I can advise my clients.

I’ll also try and think of things that they might not have considered themselves, such as access to LQBTQ+ friendly healthcare and emergency services, and ensure that I choose accommodation that’s known to be welcoming and supportive of LGBTQ+ guests.

Finally, I research the local LGBTQ+ community and let my clients know of any events or hotspots that they might want to check out. This is really important to me as engaging with the local community can really enhance my client’s travel experience.

In what ways do you feel you’ve made a difference for LGBTQ+ clients by being a Travel Counsellor?

As a happily married Travel Counsellor who is openly gay, I love sharing my adventures with my husband on social media. I want everyone to feel comfortable chatting with me, knowing that I will always be understanding and accepting. With 22 years of experience in the travel industry, I am excited to keep sharing my expertise with LGBTQ+ clients. Let's keep the journey going together!

Would you like to go above and beyond for your clients, just like George? Whether you’re passionate about a particular type of travel, or have a more general love for exploring new places, you could be just what we’re looking for. As a Travel Counsellor, you have the world-class tools, technology, and back-office support to empower your customers to travel safely and have unforgettable experiences that are as unique as they are. Ready to join our inclusive community? Get in touch!