Gay Tourism and Marketing in Focus at International LGBT Confex in Mexico Mark Chesnut - The Huffington Post
go to original September 23, 2015

Ruben Sandoval, CEO of LGBT Confex

As attitudes about LGBT rights and same-sex marriage evolve, so too does corporate strategy about how to address this increasingly visible market. Trends in LGBT business practices - as well as social and political trends were hot topics during LGBT Confex, Mexico's largest international business forum, which celebrated its fifth annual convention this year in the city of Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan.

Major sponsors included Marriott International, Jose Cuervo, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and Out & Equal, an organization that promotes workplace equality. Tourism officials from the state of Yucatan were also present. Attendees networked for two full days of presentations, business appointments and social events that included a gala cocktail party at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, an impressive museum that traces the region's history from prehistoric times.

Apoorva Gandhi, vice president for multicultural affairs at Marriott International, told delegates who gathered at the Siglo XXI Convention Center for the conferencethat businesses must provide an inclusive and positive workplace in order to create an equally welcoming environment for customers. "Take care of employees so they can take care of guests," he advised. "It's not enough to say 'we love gay people' but then turn around and treat employees differently."

Selisse Berry, founder and CEO of Out & Equal, applauded continuing progress toward equality for the LGBT community, but noted that the final goal hasn't yet been reached. "We have lots to celebrate, and we have a lot of work to do."

Read the rest at The Huffington Post

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