AC Group has appointed TravelBeat’s John Bridge as an LGBTQ specialist, becoming the only UK inbound DMC with such a division. Bridge and his team will work to attract more business from the lucrative and discerning sector by partnering with some of the biggest names in LGBTQ events and hospitality, in addition to ensuring the demands and aspirations of the diverse communities who identify as LBGTQ are met.
The appointment follows Angela Heaton joining in January as Managing Director of AC Group with former Joint Managing Directors, Rob Russell and Malcolm Lindop, becoming Joint Chief Executive Officers.
Director at TravelBeat Ltd, Bridge and his team bring over a decade of travel industry and marketing expertise to AC Group. Bridge is also UK Ambassador for the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association – the world’s leading network of LGBTQ-welcoming tourism businesses.
Joint Chief Executive Officer Rob Russell said, “LGBTQ travel is evolving swiftly as acceptance spreads and the travel industry matures to offer everything this diverse sector seeks, including weddings and honeymoons, solo, group and family travel. Favourites such as New York, Sydney, Cape Town and Sitges now jostle for attention alongside emerging hot spots such as Croatia, Israel and Mexico, with younger travellers in particular less loyal in the traditional destinations as they seek out more ‘mainstream’ experiences and accommodation.
“John’s tourism and travel pedigree complemented with a specialism in seeking out and delivering memorable experiences for the LGBTQ market, means he will help us to further establish AC Group as the leading DMC in the UK. LGBTQ travel is a lucrative and resilient market segment that continues to strengthen in our core markets.”
VisitBritain’s Director of Travel Trade & Business Events (North America), Carl Walsh, said, “Britain is one of the world’s most welcoming destinations for all and continues to see a strong growth in overseas travellers visiting our vibrant, modern cities and inspiring countryside.
“We work closely with industry partners to develop new products that showcase the diversity of experiences and make it easier for visitors to explore our welcoming nations and regions. We are delighted that AC Group is building this division which will specialise in meeting the demand of North American travellers in this important market.”
John Bridge added, “The LGBTQ travel sector is a $6 billion industry which still isn’t being serviced to its full potential. I’m proud to work alongside Malcolm, Rob, Angela and the AC Group team to help put Britain at the top of the international LGBTQ community’s travel bucket list. I look forward to diversifying and increasing AC Group’s business, ensuring that all our customers are confident of a warm welcome regardless of where they travel with us.”
