Travel Advisors Need to Educate Themselves About Risks for Transgender Clients
Skift Take
Traveling is tough when you’re transgender, but it can also be very risky for travel advisors who could unwittingly send their clients into some hostile environments if they don’t know what they’re doing.
Travel advisors who have never encountered a transgender client will most likely have little insight into their unique needs and travel challenges.
“Transgender travelers can have a hard time at mainstream agencies because of the lack of understanding and empathy,” said Darren Burn, group CEO of OutOfOffice.com, a UK-based luxury LGBTQ travel specialist.
“Usually, a transgender customer has had a bad experience with a mainstream agency, which means they are often relieved to come across a company like ours that can help offer honest and impartial advice,” he said.
Zachary Moses, CEO of HE Travel in Salt Lake City, Utah, has a similar view. He believes mainstream agencies have a long way to go, “but thankfully they are trying. Trans-awareness is growing around the world; however, it is still safer to go with a company that specializes in the community,” he said.
Experience counts, Moses argues.
“We've spent decades navigating the intricacies of international
