How Belmond Has Embraced the LGBTQ+ Traveler

Vacationer Magazine talks to Belmond insider, Parker Smith, not only about the brand’s initiatives to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, but we also chat about his travels around the world and much more!

Before the pandemic, LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. averaged 6.8 trips per year and spent $63.1 billion annually on travel, according to National Geographic. So, we can only expect that number to increase when factoring in the queer people from around the who love to travel.

Over the past few years, travel businesses have started to court the LGBTQ+ market as a means to bounce back from the devastating effects of the global pandemic, but also to adopt a more inclusive marketing strategy.

But there are several tour companies, airlines, travel agencies, and reputable hotel brands that had already embraced the LGBTQ+ traveler. One of those companies has been Belmond, a hospitality and leisure company that operates luxury hotels, train services, and river cruises worldwide. 

So, we wanted to catch up with Parker Smith, who joined Belmond in December 2021 as the Account Director for LGBTQ+ and Entertainment, North America. We chat with him to understand how and why this luxury brand has taken steps to market to us with tailored LGBTQ+ vacations and what proactive initiatives are in place to make LGBTQ+ travelers feel seen. Of course, we also wanted to know more about his travel style, too!

Vacationer Magazine: Why did you decide to make a career move to work with Belmond?

Parker Smith: After 2020, I felt a strong need to find a role that would challenge me personally and allow me to give back to the community. Belmond was one of the first hotel brands to really recognize the LGBTQ+ community and I couldn’t be prouder to represent the brand.   

In what ways do see Belmond taking the initiative to recognize the queer community?

Belmond might still be the only hotel brand with an LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. It’s a unique group of influential people in various industries. The intent is to look at trends in the hospitality industry and queer community and put actions into place to ensure we’re practicing inclusivity in travel. From an internal level with training for our properties, but also to ensure we’re promoting inclusiveness on our brand mainstream and aligning with leaders like IGLTA (The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association).  

As Belmond’s Account Director, LGBTQ+ and Entertainment (North America), how do you see your role expanding or growing over the next few years?

Personally, my goal is to increase Belmond’s visibility in the LGBTQ+ space and further efforts for inclusivity in travel while giving back to the community.

We know that Belmond provides travelers with several options of incredible travel experiences to choose from every year, but are there upcoming Belmond vacations that LGBTQ+ travelers might be excited about and or eager to book? 

We have something very exciting in the works…stay tuned! 

What Belmond vacations and or properties do you think LGBTQ+ travelers would be interested to book for 2022 or 2023?

Belmond has such a unique collection of luxury hotels, trains, boats, and safaris! The Copacabana Palace in Rio is an iconic property and Rio has the most gay-friendly beaches, bars, and restaurants. I’m also very excited about Maroma in Riviera Maya which is currently being reimagined and will reopen in May 2023. It’s going to be fabulous while still maintaining the integrity of the Mexican culture. 

You’ve worked in leisure travel for different companies for several years, so you’ve seen a lot. What travel trend or industry shift are you most excited to see grow or expand this year?

Technology! The hospitality industry is historically so traditional, and I love seeing startups that are improving everything from the booking process to the guest experience.

What’s the best tip you’d offer travelers?

Get a good credit card that earns you miles! There’s nothing like flying business class to Europe. 

So let’s move into more standard questions we enjoy asking LGBTQ+ travelers. When did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

I received my first passport when I was 3 years old. My family took a trip to Banff, Canada, and that’s when I first learned to ski. 

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

I got the travel bug at a young age as my parents always instilled the value of experiential travel. Ultimately that led me to my career in hospitality sales. 

What inspires you to travel?

My love of cooking and dining has recently been the center of much of my travel. I love experiencing local food scenes, and it’s a goal to take a cooking class on any vacation I take.   

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel. If so, how?

I identify as a gay man. Obviously, acceptance of my orientation is always a thought whenever I’m traveling somewhere new. That being said, I wouldn’t let my sexual orientation limit my eagerness to experience new destinations. I’m also very lucky to have my partner, who is my favorite travel companion! 

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? 

Safety should always be considered when traveling to an unfamiliar destination. In 2018, I went on a safari in Kenya. That was one of the first times I ever thought about how my sexual orientation would be impacted because Kenya has no protections against discrimination. However, the staff eased any hesitations as soon as I arrived at the grounds. Cottar’s Safari Team at the 1920s Camp couldn’t have been more lovely, and I never felt I needed to hide my personality.   

What’s are your top three favorite places to visit?

I’m a beach guy, so my top three favorite places to visit are Mexico, Australia, and Brazil. 

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?

I’ve always wanted to spend a month in Thailand to attend a boxing camp and experience the food scene. I still want to visit Ibiza and Lisbon. 

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

Portable handheld luggage scale. I always come back with too much stuff, and airports charge way too much for being even two pounds over!

You’re going on a road trip. What singer or band is always on your playlist?

Kygo, always Kygo.