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Tasmania Tasmania strives to become the most inclusive and inviting tourism destination in the country

In an Australian first, Tasmania’s tourism industry has developed a new accreditation program to introduce quality assurance standards for visitors to Tasmania identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual or Intersex (LGBTI).

Tourism Minister Scott Bacon MP launched ‘Rainbow Tasmania Tourism Accreditation Module’ on 23 April 2013, which was initiated by Rainbow Communities Tasmania. “This accreditation program is a fantastic way to send the message to members of the LGBTI community that our state is a great place to visit,” Mr Bacon said.

Under the accreditation program, businesses have to demonstrate that they are genuinely friendly to LGBTI community in that they:

  • acknowledge their responsibilities under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998;
  • have taken reasonable steps to ensure their workplace is free from harassment and discrimination;
  • have undertaken or introduced anti-discrimination training as part of their staff induction and workforce development processes;
  • signed a Code of Ethics Statement on behalf of their business that they aspire to meet basic standards in their service delivery to LGBTI communities;
  • are committed to display within their business information on LGBTI services and other Rainbow Tasmania tourism-accredited operators.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome, welcomed the initiative which is the most advanced of its kind in Australia, but added that state same-sex marriage laws are what will really attract gay visitors.

“According to a study by the University of California conducted in 2012, same-sex couples marrying in Tasmania would spend $96 million over three years on their weddings, and much more besides on their honeymoons” Mr Croome states.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Luke Martin said if the new module is a success there is the potential for it to be expanded across the Australian tourism industry in other states with the ATAP program.

For more information go to tourismtasmania.com.au/industry/gay

Tasmania