Marriott International brand W Hotels has signed on with the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras as a major partner for the annual pride parade along Oxford Street.
The partnership will see a W Hotels float take to the street for the 29 February parade, featuring 20 staff from W Brisbane and the soon-to-open W Melbourne, along with 60 members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Themed ‘LOVE OUT LOUD’, the float will be choreographed by Ame Delves and will be shaped as a fluoro boom box, representing the brand’s playful personality. The parade itself will feature over 200 floats, all united in celebrating equality and gay pride.
International drag superstar Alyssa Edwards, famous from her participation in RuPaul’s Drag Race, along with Australian singer Vera Blue and musician KYVA, will join the W Hotels float along with a collection of local influencers. Marriott Bonvoy members can bid their points to gain access to an exclusive pre-parade ‘glam squad’ experience as well as special Mardi Gras merchandise and entrance to a premium parade-viewing spot.
Marriott International Vice President Luxury Brands & Brand Marketing, Asia Pacific, Bruce Ryde, said W Hotels has been committed to inclusivity, acceptance and equality since day one.
“We are excited to take part in this year’s parade for the first time as both organisations aim to be global leaders lead in promoting diversity, inclusion, equality and social justice through culture and creativity, and I cannot wait to see my co-workers, guests and friends of the brand marching, dancing and loving out loud and proud.”