IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes the world to Sydney and Auckland this month, as the cities prepare to host Sydney WorldPride, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras and Auckland Pride Festival, which will take place throughout February and March, and promise to turn the streets, bars, hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues into a hive of colour and activity.

With a deep commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), IHG has long championed equality for LGBTQIA+ citizens, guests and colleagues which goes hand in hand with its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all. The group couldn’t be prouder to be supporting these major events and the LGBTQIA+ community not only in Australia, but throughout the world. Many of its hotels throughout Sydney WorldPride and Mardi Gras will be flying the rainbow flag, activating R&B and hosting memorable events across the four-week period.

In addition, as an extension of IHG’s trailblazing Guest How You Guest campaign which launched in 2022, the group has unveiled ‘Pride How You Pride’ – a celebration of freedom and flexibility, inviting guests to be their true selves when staying at any of IHG’s 6000 hotels and resorts. Expect to see colourful ‘Pride How You Pride’ posters and banners across IHG’s channels, hotels and media platforms throughout World Pride month. 

IHG has always been a strong advocate for equal rights and was a proud supporter of Marriage Equality in Australia in 2017. Through the group’s commitment to DE&I and the key role it plays in its Journey to Tomorrow philosophy, IHG has set specific targets to work towards over the next decade and is dedicated to driving gender balance, increasing representation of under-represented groups in leadership positions, promoting a culture of inclusion and prioritising the wellbeing of employees and guests.

In order to further its commitment to DE&I and the LGBTQIA+ community, IHG has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at promoting a culture of inclusion. For example, the group has developed and implemented a comprehensive diversity and inclusion training program and established a DE&I Council in the JAPAC region, which is designed to educate employees on the importance of diversity and inclusion and to equip them with the skills they need to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

As a hospitality leader, IHG is proud to welcome the world as part of Sydney WorldPride, Sydney Mardi Gras, and Auckland Pride and will continue to champion the rights of all.

https://www.ihg.com/content/gb/en/deals/hotel-offers/pride-aua-2023