01 April 2022 (Suva, Fiji): Grand Pacific Hotel together with Amnesty International, the Pacific Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Lesbian Gay Association celebrated the International Day of Transgender Visibility at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. The full-day event included dialogue from panellists of different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), hoisting of Pride Flag and United Nations (UN) Flag as well as lighting up the building in the evening in the colours of Pride.
Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual awareness day celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender-nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice.
“IHG ® Hotels and Resorts celebrates everyone, recognizing equality and greater visibility and we are proud to be one of the leading hospitality brands in Fiji to display the pride flag which shows our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This signals greater visibility as we mark International Day of Transgender Visibility,” commented Lachlan Walker, Area General Manager— South Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Our purpose at IHG is to provide True Hospitality for everyone and everyone means everyone.”
This is the first time UN Flag is being displayed together with the Pride Flag in Fiji. Working in hotels and offices in Fiji and more than 100 countries, IHG colleagues represent multiple nationalities, as well as the many cultures, religions, races, sexualities, abilities, backgrounds and beliefs that make the world such an interesting place. This makes for a diverse and inclusive culture IHG is proud of, and it’s why our purpose is to provide True Hospitality for everyone.
Heike Alefsen Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) Regional Representative commented “Today as I walked in the hotel, I saw our UN Flag flying next to the LGBTI flag in Infront of the Grand Pacific Hotel. I thank our host, Grand Pacific Hotel for this amazing show of support for equal rights for the LGBTI community at large. It is important for businesses and all individuals to show support that broadens acceptance and observance of all the human rights of trans and gender diverse persons. The world needs more solidarity when it comes to marginalized groups.”
Some of the key achievements and specifically in the area of Diversity and Inclusion have been
• Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality
• Glassdoor, Best Places to Work, Employees Choice
• Fortune, 100 Best Companies to Work For, 9 years on the list
• AON Best Employer
Everyone should feel included, valued and respected – not just because it’s the right thing to do, or the best way to behave – but because people are the best version of themselves when they feel these things. When that happens, colleagues are empowered to speak up with ideas, and diverse opinions and perspectives spark the innovation IHG needs to stand out.
This is important to the guest experiences we create, and to how we empower colleagues to go above and beyond for our owners and for IHG, as we embark on ambitious growth plans.
