QueerVadis certification

Ensure inclusive tourism hospitality for the LGBTQ+ community

Certificazione LGBTQ+The QueerVadis certification is the first and only international protocol dedicated to LGBTQ+ diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tourism sector, demonstrating companies' commitment to inclusive hospitality: travelers can be assured of appropriate hospitality at certified destinations and hotels.

The QueerVadis Certified Protocol was created by Sonders and Beach, a group specializing in sustainable tourism, in collaboration with AITGL (Italian Association of Gay and Lesbian Tourism) and ELTA (European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance).

RINA validated the protocol and is in charge of auditing companies in the certification process, ensuring compliance with their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion for all stakeholders (customers, suppliers, and employees). Sonders and Beach is taking care of the initial assessment, training, creation of policies for diversity management, and collection of evidence for QueerVadis certification.

The protocol addresses accommodation facilities (hotels, B&Bs, vacation homes, farmhouses), commercial activities, travel agencies, MICE sector companies (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), event organizers, airlines and cruise companies, and tourist destinations (DMO, Convention & Visitors Bureau, public and private entities).

Main advantages

- Introducing DE&I management (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) policies in the company.
- Demonstrating the company's commitment to DE&I with concrete data, positively impacting the ESG rating.
- Improving know-how by acquiring the necessary skills to welcome and retain LGBTQ+ travelers.
- Strengthening branding through the use of the "QueerVadis Approved" widget and gaining visibility on the official queervadis.com website.
- Receiving mentoring and consulting services from Sonders and Beach.

Certification process

The certificate is valid for three years, during which organizations will undergo surveillance audits at 12 and 24 months.

Why choose RINA?

We are committed daily to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for every person, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental factors for the innovation and growth of our employees. We are the third-party certification body that validated the QueerVadis Certified Protocol, celebrating the inclusive culture of the LGBTQ+ community in the tourism sector.

Regulatory focus

In 2020, Sonders and Beach, a company specializing in sustainable and inclusive tourism, developed the QueerVadis Certified Protocol with the support of the Italian Association of Gay and Lesbian Tourism and the European LGBTQ+ Tourism Alliance. This protocol, which includes defined guidelines for inclusive hospitality, is recognized worldwide thanks to a control process entrusted to the authority of RINA. Since 2022, RINA has guaranteed its application by carrying out third-party verifications and issuing certificates. The protocol is available on QueerVadis.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average duration of the certification process is a minimum of three months.
 
The certification can be requested by both a single organization and a group of companies. Group certification allows multiple companies, often small, to join under a single certificate, sharing costs and resources. This approach is particularly valuable for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), which can coordinate certification for several travel businesses, ensuring uniform standards and promoting a cohesive and reliable image in the market.

The QueerVadis certified protocol provides three certification levels: silver, gold, and platinum.

- Silver (basic level): it certifies that the facility has implemented fundamental inclusivity practices, ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment for LGBTQ+ guests.
- Gold (intermediate level): it indicates that the facility has adopted additional measures beyond the basic requirements, demonstrating a deeper commitment to inclusion and diversity.
- Platinum (advanced level): it represents the highest recognition, reserved for facilities that excel in offering a highly inclusive experience, with advanced diversity management policies and services dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community.