Holbox became the first destination in Quintana Roo to obtain Queer Destinations Committee certification after training its service providers in LGBTQ+-friendly practices.
The distinction is the tenth awarded nationwide, following cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.
Gaston Fournier, global director of Queer Destinations, reported that in the case of Quintana Roo, they are in talks with the state Tourism Secretariat and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council to achieve Queer Destinations Committee certification in the medium term for all 11 destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
Although Holbox is the first destination statewide, it began the process alongside Isla Mujeres, the municipality that will be the second to be certified this year.
“What Holbox did to receive this distinction was first train its value chain. More than 500 people took a course. We also conducted a destination consultancy, where we investigated what the destination does, made matches, and today presented the plaque,” explained Gastón Fournier.
The course the executive referred to is called Hospitality Meets Diversity, which is divided into more than 180 topics on tastes, preferences, and, above all, respectful treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. It was taught not only to hotel staff but also to employees of marinas, transport companies, tourism cooperatives, and other members of the value chain in Holbox’s tourism industry.
The distinction cost Holbox 250,000 pesos for a period of years, with contributions primarily from the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ). However, if it is applied for renewal, contributions from the island’s private sector will be requested.
Source: eleconomista
