Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is investing $341,804 in Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) to support inclusive tourism in Atlantic Canada. The announcement was made on July 15 in Charlottetown, PEI.

This funding will help support four Destination Audits and LGBT+ diversity & inclusion training opportunities, as well as assisting interested businesses in receiving their Rainbow Registered accreditation, the national standard for LGBT+ safe spaces. 

Developed in collaboration with Tourism HR Canada, the Rainbow Registered accreditation will allow tourism and hospitality businesses across Atlantic Canada to demonstrate that they are providing a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT+ consumers, visitors, and employees.

What Does it Mean to be Rainbow Registered? 

Rainbow Registered is national standard for LGBT+ safe and welcoming spaces developed by Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Tourism HR. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

The Benefits of Accreditation

• Accredited businesses will be able to demonstrate and market themselves as safe destinations for the LGBT+ market.
• A listing in the Rainbow Registered directory – the national directory of businesses certified as LGBT+ friendly at the Rainbow Registered website
• Access to other resources e.g., Rainbow Registered Welcome Kit (window decal, desk card), CGLCC Associate Member Benefits

How to get accredited?

The program establishes a set of standards that companies must meet before earning the Rainbow Registered mark and the benefits that go along with it. The standards focus on four key areas including policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership and a culture of inclusivity which are evaluated during the assessment. Any type or size of business can apply.

See How to Get Rainbow Registered Accreditation

Upcoming Workshop

To assist tourism businesses in their journey, a free webinar is offered by CGLCC. The Navigating LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion in the Tourism Industry Workshop will share how to effectively understand, value, and serve your LGBT+ visitors, customers and employees.

Date: Wednesday, September 14
Time: 9 AM to 12 PM (ADT)
Register here

Two more webinars will be offered this October and November.

Contact CGLCC

To inquire about the Rainbow Registered accreditation program, please contact Loren Christie at loren@cglcc.ca or Connor McKiggan at connormckigganSGF@gmail.com. 
 
Additionally, Peter Hradisky (peter@cglcc.ca) has become a new regional associate for the CGLCC Tourism and Accreditation Programs in Atlantic Canada. Peter is based in Halifax, NS and, together with Loren and Connor, is available to support businesses in Atlantic Canada on their journey to creating safer, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for LGBT+ travellers, customers and employees.