Manchester Pride Festival's headline sponsor, Virgin Atlantic, has partnered with Open for Business on new research to show the economic cost of LGBTQ+ discrimination in 12 English-speaking Caribbean countries.
The Economic Case for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Caribbean features data from the largest ever survey of Caribbean LGBTQ+ people (those currently living in the region plus diaspora), as well as prospective Caribbean tourists, and interviews with business leaders and employees of Caribbean-based companies.
The research shows that the challenges that LGBTQ+ people in the Caribbean confront on a daily basis are stark: state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia are prevalent, as is significant social stigma. For example,
- Nine of the 12 countries still criminalize same-sex intimacy.
- For trans people, none of the 12 countries allow a change of sex or gender marker on state identifications.
The evidence shows that tourism, the key industry in the Caribbean, is hurt by the region’s perceived anti-LGBTQ+ environment. Survey data of potential LGBTQ+ and straight tourists finds the key reason given for NOT visiting a country in the region is because of the negative image they have of how LGBT+ people are treated.
At Virgin Atlantic, we want every single person who travels with us to feel they can be themselves on holiday and we will continue to use the power of our brand to push for change around the world. Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic
Similarly, 60% of LGBTQ+ and straight people would visit Barbados but ONLY AFTER its government passes legislation allowing same sex unions. This comes at a significant financial cost to the region, Virgin Atlantic estimates that $689 million of potential tourism revenue is lost each year due to existing beliefs about the region’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
Businesses are a source of hope in the region: many companies have been taking a strong stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Interviews with regional business leaders point to a growing focus on training, as well as other activities to improve diversity among staff and to be welcoming of all visitors.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic said:
“We are proud to work with Open for Business on this incredibly powerful piece of research. The Caribbean is – understandably - one of the biggest leisure destinations we fly to and one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. But, sadly it is also one of the least inclusive.
"Tourism plays a vital role in the economies of many Caribbean countries, which have felt a particularly harsh impact from the global slowdown of travel caused by Covid-19. To support the region’s economic recovery in the future, it is essential for destinations to attract the widest possible demographic of travellers, including those who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies of the community.
"At Virgin Atlantic, we want every single person who travels with us to feel they can be themselves on holiday and we will continue to use the power of our brand to push for change around the world."
Virgin Atlantic are proud to support Manchester Pride for the third year. Virgin have always championed individuality and will continue to fly the rainbow flag high for those that still face prejudice, inequality and opressions.