Marriott International promotes diversity and celebrates Pride in the Caribbean and Latin America

Marriott International once again proudly celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the Caribbean and Latin America, reinforcing its role as an important actor and promoter of diversity, equity and inclusion around the world, establishing as an industry standard to welcome all , without distinction. The company is pleased to celebrate Pride throughout the year, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable. Recognizing the importance of creating welcoming and respectful environments, Marriott is introducing a variety of unique activities and experiences available at properties in the region throughout the year, inviting travelers to come together and celebrate this important cause.

“We are very happy to support the entire LGBTQ+ community during pride month with activities like CelebrARTE, a project that gives visibility to the work of emerging Latin American artists who will provide us with their unique vision,” said Brian King, president, Marriott International at the Caribbean and Latin America. "Also, let's not forget that all year long we celebrate the LGBTQ + community at our more than 480 properties in the region, where we always make everyone feel and feel welcome," he concluded.

Drawing inspiration from its global culture of inclusion, Marriott International will host the following activities in the Caribbean and Latin America to inspire discovery, nurture emerging community artists, and connect people, places and purpose across the region. These initiatives seek to celebrate diversity and promote equality, reaffirming Marriott International's commitment to be a leader in the hotel industry in terms of inclusion and respect for all its guests and associates.

CelebrARTE

CelebrARTE is a campaign that aims to give visibility to the LGBTQ+ community by creating temporary art galleries to showcase the work of emerging local artists throughout 2023. At CelebrARTE, artists are on a mission to interpret the iconic "Do Not Disturb" sign to Create it with your own artistic style, allowing your unique vision to shine. The final works will be exhibited in Colombia (JW Marriott Hotel Bogota), Mexico (Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel), Chile and Puerto Rico for a limited time, as a gesture to celebrate and support the voices of LGBTQ+ groups.

The art exhibits will remain on display in Colombia and Mexico until the end of August and will then continue in Chile and Puerto Rico throughout the year. Guests and other visitors will be able to purchase the artwork, with proceeds from each sale going to a local non-profit organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ traveler trends.

Marriott International's promise is to anticipate the needs of travelers and learn more about the habits and preferences of the various guests who frequent its properties. This year, Marriott in collaboration with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) - the leading global organization dedicated to LGBTQ tourism - will conduct research to obtain data on LGBTQ+ travelers in the Caribbean and Latin American region. The results of this study will be released during the annual IGLTA Convention in October, and will help Marriott and other industry players better understand the LGBTQ+ segment and adapt to their expectations.

lighting with pride

Rainbow lighting at Marriott properties has become a regional tradition over the years, with various hotels illuminating their facades or spaces with bright colors during the month of June. This year, 12 properties in 7 markets in the region will participate, illuminating their properties with the colors of the rainbow, demonstrating that there is no place for inequality and celebrating pride in Buenos Aires, Brazil, Costa Rica, Aruba, Honduras and Chile.

Information panel

With the intention of promoting and leading the conversation around high-impact issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community, on June 29, an information panel will be held at the W Bogotá hotel to inspire a debate on diversity, equity and inclusion in Colombia. Through education, Marriott shares respect and kindness and fosters a sense of belonging for all. This time with the participation of spokespersons such as Gustavo Lovera, General Manager of W Bogotá, María José Silva, Manager of Vacation Tourism at ProColombia, Sam Castañeda, CEO of the OUT in Colombia Travel agency, as well as Felipe Cárdenas, President of the Board of International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) in the country.

W Panama will also be participating in a discussion about Pride on June 26 together with the World Pride Panama organization, which promotes the protection of Diversity and Cultural expressions of the LGBTIQ Population in the country.

Pride in Chile podcast

To make visible the main problems of the LGBTIQA+ community, the Marriott International hotels in Chile created a seven-episode podcast entitled "The pride of being yourself" that will premiere during the month of June. Its common thread will be the acronym LGBTIQA+ and in each episode a hotel will take charge of a letter of this acronym, addressing a topic of their interest.The podcast will be available through the Spotify platform.  

Plus, with Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program, travelers who want to discover the joy of pride in new destinations have a wide variety of experiences to make the most of their travels. With properties through 22 brands in the Caribbean and Latin America, the company has a hotel for everyone. From Aruba, Lima, Panama to Mexico, celebrations await all guests visiting the properties, including a Pride Drag Brunch on June 25 at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, featuring special appearances by local drag personalities, as well as a Pride Live party at Aloft Lima on June 28.  

Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba and JW Marriott Panama will have a special menu inspired by Pride month. W Panama will be organizing different activities to support the LGBTQ+ community with the LESBO Fest Territorio de mujeres, a market for women's entrepreneurship, art and live music, a catwalk and coronation of the Pride 2023 queen, and two parties in commemoration of the Pride. In Mexico, the W Mexico City and St. Regis Punta Mita are offering their guests special packages for their romantic stays, with a Pride Brunch in the city or a Private Yacht and Tour to Playa de los Enamorados on Las Marietas Island .

Marriott International seeks to make every traveler and associate feel welcome. Her strength lies in her ability to embrace differences and make everyone feel respected and valued with efforts that go beyond celebrating Pride throughout the year. In 2021, the company was inducted into the DiversityInc Hall of Fame, recognizing the many milestones in its longstanding support of the LGBTQ+ community, and last year received a 100% rating on the Campaign for Corporate Equality Index. Human Rights, recognizing their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace.

For more information on Marriott's global diversity and inclusion initiatives, visit www.marriott.com/diversity .