Booking.com Announced as Major Partner and Exclusive Digital Travel Provider of Sydney WorldPride

SYDNEY, 12 JANUARY 2023 - Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel companies, today announced its partnership with Sydney WorldPride, as a major partner and exclusive digital travel provider of the event. 

With more than 28 million accommodation listings in over 160,000 destinations worldwide, as well as attractions, cars and flights, Booking.com is committed to making it easier for LGBTQIA+ travellers to experience the world 365 days a year, including making the most of their celebratory, pride-inspired travels. 

As an extension of the company's free Travel Proud program, dedicated to helping facilitate more welcoming and inclusive travel experiences for the LGBTQIA+ community, Booking.com will be the major partner and exclusive digital travel provider for two key events at Sydney WorldPride. This includes a dedicated stage at the Pride Villages, where the famous Oxford St and surrounds will be closed to traffic to create a fabulous (and free!) festival hub and a place where travellers from all over the world will celebrate together.

Additionally, Booking.com is sponsoring the three-day Human Rights Conference hosted at Sydney’s International Convention Centre. The conference will be the largest convergence of human rights defenders, community members, government and political representatives, philanthropists and corporate leaders committed to LGBTQIA+ rights ever held in Asia Pacific

“At Booking.com, we believe everyone should be able to experience the world as themselves, always. Travel should ideally be all about positive experiences, adventure and enjoyment. Yet for many LGBTQIA+ travelers, this can often be  a very different reality, as a majority (82%) have experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable moments when traveling*,” says Arjan Dijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com.

“There is still much work to do across the industry to make welcoming experiences the norm for everyone – no matter who they love, how they identify or where they come from.

“In addition to celebrating the revitalization of the Australian tourism sector, our sponsorship of Sydney WorldPride is a symbol of our continued investment in supporting rainbow communities everywhere and our commitment to enable truly inclusive travel experiences in even more places around the world.” 

“Sydney WorldPride is proud to partner with one of the world’s most exciting digital travel companies, Booking.com as they continue to ensure inclusive and welcoming properties are available for Rainbow travellers across the globe. Sydney is open and excited to welcome all to our shores!” says Kate Wickett, CEO Sydney WorldPride. 

“The 2023 Festival is going to attract a lot of local and international visitors, so it’s fantastic to have one of the world’s leading digital travel companies on board as a partner. Booking.com is a company that is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ people. As well as creating a safe and inclusive environment within their own organization, they support our communities in finding inclusive accommodation options when they are planning their next trip away,” says Albert Kruger, CEO Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Whether it’s a trip to one of Sydney WorldPride’s incredible Pride Village shows, effecting positive change at the Human Rights Conference, or getting immersed in Aussie rainbow culture as travel resumes, Booking.com aims to seamlessly help people discover new places and broaden their horizons.

Recognizing the important role properties play in providing a more inclusive experience, Booking.com began paving the way for everyone to Travel Proud with the launch of its free Proud Hospitality training program in August 2021. More than 15,000 accommodations, including over 1,200 alone across Australia and New Zealand are now being recognised for their inclusive hospitality efforts with a Travel Proud badge on Booking.com.

*Booking.com Travel Proud 2022 Research 

For further information, contact the Booking.com Australia Press Office team; bookingau@redhavas.com