Pride Month: How Matt helps his customers to ‘Travel with Pride’

June is Pride Month, so we caught up with LGBTQ+ Travel Counsellor, Matt Carter, to find out how he helps his customers travel with pride, and to find out why he’s loving being a part of our inclusive community.

Hi Matt! Thank you for playing your part in helping customers to ‘Travel with Pride’. What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month is a joyful celebration for me. It's a time to embrace and express my true self, honour the LGBTQ+ community's journey, and stand in solidarity for equality. The vibrant events and parades fill me with happiness and pride, reminding me of the progress we celebrate together. Pride Month allows me to honour those who have fought bravely for the rights we enjoy today and to support those who continue to face discrimination and injustice. It's also a chance to remember the importance of being true to myself and to help others do the same.

What’s your favourite LGBTQ+-friendly destination, and why?

It has to be Thailand. From the moment I arrived, I felt embraced by the country's open-minded and accepting culture. The rich cultural heritage, combined with a modern and inclusive atmosphere, made me feel right at home. Beautiful beaches, incredible food, and wonderful people – Thailand has it all.

Why is it important for you to be able to speak openly and confidently about LGBTQ+ travel?

It's important for me to speak openly and confidently about LGBTQ+ travel because everyone deserves to enjoy their travels fully. By understanding and addressing the unique needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ travellers, I can ensure that their trips are both enjoyable and fulfilling. Listening to my clients' desires and preferences allows me to tailor their travel experiences, making each trip perfect and memorable for them.

How do the tools, tech, and support from Travel Counsellors empower you to sell the right destinations to your customers?

We’re provided with excellent support. Whether it be our duty office always at the end of the phone, or the commercial team securing new contracts with hotels – the teams are constantly there for us. Our incredible booking platform, Phenix, is always being updated with new tools, making it easier to put together bespoke trips around the world for our clients based on their individual needs.

The newly launched LGBTQ+ resource hub will also further support us business owners to empower our customers to travel with pride. The hub includes practical tips around LGBTQ+ travel, including additional considerations for transgender travel, same-sex families travelling with children, and how to communicate with customers in an inclusive way.

Let’s talk a little bit about your Travel Counsellors journey. You’re seven months in – how’s it going so far?

I’m absolutely loving it! I’m able to work from where I like, researching incredible destinations to send my clients to. It really doesn’t feel like a job!

What’s been your highlight in those seven months?

One of my highlights in the last seven months was catching up with some wonderful clients after their trip to South Africa. Listening to the memories they created on that trip and seeing the photos they took on safari was fantastic. They were genuinely made up after such an incredible holiday. I felt truly privileged and grateful to have put the trip together for them.

What are you enjoying most about being a Travel Counsellor?

I most enjoy putting together complex, tailor-made itineraries. I find it thoroughly enjoyable finding the best experiences for my clients. It's then great meeting up with them in person and sharing what I’ve put together for them – when they book, it’s an incredible feeling!

How would you describe the Travel Counsellors community?

The Travel Counsellors community is just amazing. When joining, I hadn’t thought of this. I was more excited about growing my own business into something amazing. But now I’m a part of that community, the support and kindness of fellow Travel Counsellors and Support Hub colleagues blows me away. Yes, you have your own business, but you’re part of an incredible group of people who always want to help you in any way they can. It's fantastic.

It's been great chatting with you, Matt. Finally, what advice would you give to anyone who’s thinking of becoming a Travel Counsellor?

If anyone is considering becoming a Travel Counsellor, my advice is just do it! You certainly won’t regret it. It’s so rewarding, and every day is different!

Would you like to join an inclusive travel community where you can be authentically you, all while being supported to build a travel business you can be proud of? Look no further than Travel Counsellors? Whether you’re brand-new to travel or have years of experience, we’d love to chat to you about the life-changing opportunity we can offer you. Fill out this short form and we’ll be in touch.