MBR Issue 24 - Oct-LOW RES

Malta Business Review
TALKING POINT
Malta Business Review
Speaking out for what you believe in
By Sir Richard Branson
We had a very lively panel discussion
at Virgin Disruptors in London this
week, with lots of healthy debate. But one
of the things everyone was in agreement
on was the need for business people
to speak out when they see inequality,
unfairness and unacceptable issues.
As I said onstage, business leaders and
influencers have a big responsibility to
get out there and tackle problems. If
every business and individual took that
attitude, we could get on top of every
problem. A great example of this in
2016 has been the stand everyone
from Marc Benioff to Bruce
Springsteen took against North
Carolina’s “bathroom” law.
While not claiming to
have all the answers, it
is vital that those who
have the opportunity use
their platform for good.
As Springsteen said when
cancelling his concert in
Greensboro in protest the
“bathroom” law: “It is the
strongest means I have for
raising my voice in opposition
to those who continue to push us
backwards instead of forwards.”
With this in mind, I was proud to see
Virgin Holidays publish the results from
its LGBT travel report into the issues faced
by LGBT travellers worldwide. However, I
was saddened to learn more than one in
three (37 per cent) LGBT travellers have
experienced some form of discrimination
whilst on holiday, with six per cent
experiencing a threat of physical violence
due to their sexuality.
Images from Virgin Holidays
At Virgin Holidays, we believe everyone,
regardless of their sexual orientation or
gender identity, has the right to be whoever
they are, wherever they are. That’s why it is
shocking that in today’s society some of us
can’t even enjoy a simple holiday without
fear of discrimination. It’s fantastic that
Virgin Holidays are doing their bit to raise
awareness around this important issue.
As part of our commitment to addressing
the issues faced by the LGBT community
when travelling, Virgin Holidays will
stage a LGBT equalities conference
in conjunction with international
tourism partners, and focus on
empowering staff, informing
customers, and influencing
partners. Virgin Holidays is
also joining LGBT equality
charity Stonewall, as a
Diversity Champion.
We certainly don’t have the
solution or all the answers,
but we are committed to trying
to change the attitude of the
travel industry and be a proactive
force for change in the LGBT
community. For more information on
the campaign please visit virginholidays.
co.uk/losethelabels. MBR
Courtesy: Virgin Podcast; Virgin Holidays
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Martin Vella M: +356 9926 0162 | martin@mbrpublications.net
10 www.maltabusinessreview.net 11
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Friday 25 th November, 2016
Castello Dei Baroni, Wardija, Malta
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