Holbox, Q.R. — The island of Holbox is now a certified Queer Destination, a global recognition granted by the Queer Destinations association. Holbox is the first destination in Quintana Roo to certify as a Queer Destination.
Holbox became the first destination in Quintana Roo to obtain the Queer Destinations Committee certification after service providers were trained in friendly dealings with the LGBTQ+ community.
“What Holbox did to receive this distinction was first train its value chain. More than 500 people took a course. We also conducted a destination consultancy where we researched what the destination does, made matches and presented the plaque,” explained Queer Destinations Global Director Gastón Fournier.
The course Hospitality Meets Diversity, covered topics on tastes, preferences and, above all, respectful treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. The course was taught not only to hotel staff but also to employees of marinas, transport companies, tourism cooperatives and other members of the value chain in Holbox’s tourism industry.
Holbox’s policies and practices were aligned with international inclusion standards to receive the globally recognized certification.
Fournier reported that in the case of Quintana Roo, they are in talks with the state Tourism Secretariat and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council to achieve Queer Destinations certification in all municipalities.
Although Holbox is the first destination in the state to be certified, it began the process alongside Isla Mujeres who will become the second to be certified this year. Also being currently trained for Queer Destinations certification are Puerto Morelos, Benito Juárez (Cancun) and Othón P. Blanco.
The Holbox distinction is the tenth awarded nationwide, following cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara.
According to Fourneir, in Mexico, 13 out of every 100 tourists identify as LGBTQ+. Globally, the sector contributes $4.7 billion annually and accounts for 10 percent of international travelers
The Queer Destinations certification is an international distinction that recognizes its commitment to safe, inclusive and discrimination-free tourism. This achievement establishes Holbox as a benchmark in LGBTQ+ hospitality, driving the diversification of the sector and strengthening the Mexican Caribbean’s global reach.
The accreditation was granted by the international association Queer Destinations in collaboration with the International LGBTIQ+ Tourism Association.
