On November 12, 2020, the European Commission introduced the LGBTQAI+ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 to address discrimination and promote equality within the EU. Despite advancements, research shows persistent discrimination against LGBTQAI+ individuals. The tourism and hospitality industry, which often hosts diverse guests from different cultures and employs individuals from various backgrounds, is particularly susceptible to judgement and discrimination. Creating inclusive environments in hotels, resorts, tourism services and similar establishments is essential to ensure welcoming and respectful experiences for guests and employees. Embracing inclusiveness generates social and economic benefits.
Creating an inclusive workplace for LGBTQAI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, Intersex) staff in the hospitality industry is essential for the customer relations, the workplace culture, the legal and Ethical compliance, the diversity and talent pool, the employee well-being, the innovation and adaptability, the global competitiveness and also for the corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Education and awareness play a pivotal role in cultivating inclusive and diverse workplaces by equipping trainees with job-specific skills and fostering attitudes that promote equality and acceptance. These programs integrate cultural competence training, emphasise equal opportunities, showcase diverse role models, and incorporate education on anti-discrimination policies. By prioritising the development of soft skills, addressing accessibility considerations, and collaborating with diverse employers, vocational education ensures that trainees are not only technically proficient but also well-prepared to thrive in workplaces that value diversity and inclusivity. Through inclusive curriculum design and networking opportunities, these programs contribute to creating a workforce that appreciates different perspectives and is poised to actively contribute to and support diverse professional environments.
This project will examine the best methodology to deliver inclusive employment education/training to hotel management. It will develop a training course to educate tourism destinations (hotels, restaurants, tours and recreational services…) managers on how to create an LGBTQAI+-friendly environment and foster inclusive employment for their LGBTQAI+ staff. The aim is also to collect data and create a best practice guide to enable an exchange of knowledge within the sector and to transfer these best practices to other participating countries. The aim is to encourage cooperation between EU countries on the issue of discrimination in the tourism sector and to emphasise the transnational nature of the topic.
The project is directed to LGBTQAI+ Hospitality Employees, Academics, Hotel managers and HR staff, Interest groups in the tourism and hotel sector, Interest groups and LGBTQAI+ associations, Vocational Training Institutions in Tourism and Hospitality, Labor Authorities and Human rights organizations.
Advantages and innovation
The project considers that LGBTQAI+ staff are passively treated, if not discriminated, in human resource and staff management and engagement. Therefore the project will innovative both in principles, good practices and day to day management of hotel and other tourism services.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
We are looking for quadruple helix partners

Framework program
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV)
Call title and identifier
CERV-2025-EQUAL: Proposal to promote equality and to fight against racism, xenophobia and discrimination of LGTBIQ+ professionals in the tourism sector in Europe
Submission and evaluation scheme
Anticipated project budget
Around 500.000 €
Coordinator required
No
Deadline for EoI
30/10/2025
Deadline of the call
30/06/2025
Project duration in weeks
100
Web link to the call
Call not opened yet, opening expected 15.01.2025. Link to the previous CERV-EQUAL Call: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CERV-2024-GE?order=DESC and pageNumber=1 and pageSize=10 and sortBy=
Project title and acronym
Tourism and the LGBTQAI+ workers/staff: a challenge for an inclusive tourism model (Acronym TBD).