Outfluential Founder & Director, Auston Matta, presented insights on an often controversial topic - Is Anywhere Off Limits for LGBT Holidaymakers? The presentation contains valuable tips and insights about how LGBT travelers can make the most of their visit to any destination, while remaining safe and property educated.

1. Is Anywhere Off Limits for LGBT
Holidaymakers?
By: Auston Matta

3. Who: Engineer turned travel writer & online marketer
What: Content, Social Media & Influencer Marketing
How: Travel Bloggers,YouTuber’s & Social Media Stars

4. Why: me?
Because…
- I’ve traveled to these places
- I’ve written about these places
-We send people to promote destinations / brands to LGBT’s
-We ask ourselves is it ethically ok to promote our clients?

5. Would you / have you traveled to….?
These 4 countries

6. Before you answer, consider…
• LGBT rights & protections
• Safety & security
• Do you identify as LGBT?

7. Would you / have you traveled to….?
The Netherlands

8. Would you / have you traveled to….?
Singapore

9. Would you / have you traveled to….?
Russia

10. Would you / have you traveled to….?
Saudi Arabia

11. How are these countries related?

12. The
Netherlands
Russia
Singapore Saudi Arabia
HomosexualActs
Criminalized
Anti- Gay Laws
Not Enforced
HomosexualActs
De-criminalized
Anti- Gay Laws
Enforced

13. • The Facts
• The Question
• Safety
• Resources

14. 76+ countries outlaw homosexual acts

15. Death Penalty
Marriage Equality
LGBT protections & penalties range

16. • Penalties & severity of crime varies
• Enforcement ranges
• Safety is a BIG concern
• But……

17. • LGBT people LIVE in these countries!

18. • Am I safe?
• Should I go?
• Is it ethically OK?
• Does my money support homophobia?
• Where can I get help or resources?
• Is anywhere off limits for LGBTs?

19. YES
MAYBENO

20. • It’s your decision
• You’re responsible

21. • Take these precautions
• Safety
• Risks
• Resources

22. • Know the laws of your country
• Keep contact info of your country’s embassy
• Know the cultural norms
• Ex:Thailand – LGBT-friendly but any
PDA is considered out of the ordinary
Links & Resources at the end of this presentation!

23. Destinations
Hotels & Accommodation
Tour Operators &Agencies

24. • Easy
• USA / Canada
• Western Europe
• Australia / New Zealand
Standard precautions as home

25. • Tips for choosing destinations
• Tourism office supports LGBT marketing? (micro site)
• Community Marketing Insights (research studies)
• Association members (e.g. IGLTA, etc.)
• Locations with LGBT hotels & operators

26. LGBT
Owned
Association
Member
Certified
Staff
Training
Company
Policies
Supports
Community
How do you sort
through all the
information?

27. Simplify your search
• IGLTA (association)
• OutNow.travel (training / certification)
• Tag Approved (registration & approval)
• World Rainbow Hotels (listing site)
• Purple Roofs (listing site)

28. • LGBT owned
• Local
• Association members
• Market direct to LGBT’s
• Trade shows & conferences
• WTM London, ITB Berlin, FITUR, IGLTA

29. • Out of Office
• TropOut
• RainbowTours
• OutstandingTravel
• DetoursTravel
• Outstanding Adventures
• Pink Iceland
• Source Events
• QuiikyTravel
• Atlantis
• The Gay Locals
• OscarWildeTours

30. • US / UK Department of State
• Local Embassies
• LuxeCity Guide (cultural norms)
• LGBTTravel Agencies &Tour operators (local)
• Out NowTraining Program
• HumanRights.gov
• Man About World LGBT BizTravel Guide
• International lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association (ILGA)
• International Gay & LesbianTravel Association (IGLTA)
• Community Marketing Insights (CMI)
Links at the end of this presentation!

31. • Your decision
• Beware of local customs & laws
• Reach out to agencies & operators (especially local)
• Use the resources (at the end!)

33. • https://www.booksinglesholidays.com/news/lgbt-travel-what-are-the-most-and-least-lgbt-friendly-
countries-
• https://76crimes.com/76-countries-where-homosexuality-is-illegal/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory
• https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/lgbt.html
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice
• https://luxecityguides.com
• http://www.outnowconsulting.com/
• http://www.HumanRights.gov
• http://www.manaboutworld.com/business-travel-guide/
• http://ilga.org/
• http://iglta.org/
• http://communitymarketinginc.com/