It was through two thought-provoking workshops that the four passionate travel agents awarded TTG LGBT+ Travel Ambassador status in 2025 learned to champion selling travel to, and for, all. The sessions covered how to avoid common mistakes agents make when selling to the LGBT+ community and the do’s and don’ts of marketing to LGBT+ travellers. Post workshops, the group was then tasked with completing steps including writing an internal checklist to use when selling a holiday to LGBT+ travellers, adding an LGBT+ focused page to their website and promoting an inclusive holiday on social media.
The Ambassadors (in training) then visited India with Intrepid Travel – with flights for the trip supported by Virgin Atlantic – to see first-hand how travelling with a small group adventure operator can be a safe experience for all travellers. Plus, they gained unique insight into how the tour operator is supporting marginalised groups on the ground.
Here’s what the agents have to say about the programme and their experiences, and why they’re incredibly proud to be TTG, Intrepid and Virgin Atlantic’s first LGBT+ Travel Ambassadors!
David Knight, Swords Travel
“I applied to the TTG LGBT+ Travel Ambassadors programme because I wanted to grow in confidence when representing the community, and to ensure I was offering safe, inclusive, and well-informed travel experiences for my LGBT+ clients. As someone who is part of the community, I understand how important it is to feel welcome and seen – not just at the destination, but throughout the booking journey too.
“The programme has been eye-opening, inspiring, and empowering. From learning about global LGBT+ issues to hearing from voices within the industry, it’s given me a broader perspective and stronger understanding of what meaningful representation really looks like.
“Going forward, I’m excited to be more visible, more intentional, and more proactive in how I speak to the community through my work. I want every client to know they’re in safe hands, and that they can travel with confidence – whoever they are and whoever they love.”
Richard Lowrey-Heywood, Not Just Travel
“I applied to the TTG LGBT+ Travel Ambassadors programme because it felt like the right moment for me, both as a member of the queer community and as someone working in the travel industry, to step up and represent.
“Travel should feel safe, welcoming and affirming, and I believe it’s our responsibility to educate both customers and colleagues, challenge assumptions, and help create spaces where people can book and travel with confidence.
“The fam trip to India was truly incredible. Spending time with fellow Ambassadors was inspiring in itself, but meeting, listening to and walking alongside members of the local queer community was genuinely life-changing. Those conversations and experiences have stayed with me.
“I’ve returned a better, more informed and more empathetic person. Most of all, I’m incredibly proud to be an Ambassador, proud of what I’ve learned, and proud to be part of the queer community.”
Megan O'Leary, Travel Counsellors
“I am a lesbian woman who has worked in travel for 10 years. Before meeting my fiancée, I travelled freely, able to hide my sexual orientation when necessary. Now that I am in a happy relationship, I refuse to shrink myself in different environments, and that choice has genuinely limited the destinations available to us as a couple.
“This Ambassador programme supported me as an LGBTQIA+ traveller and helped me broaden my horizons, so I can offer the same sense of possibility to my customers and to any other queer person who feels hesitant about exploring the world.
“I want to say a huge “thank you” to TTG, Intrepid and Virgin Atlantic, for what has been a truly eye-opening learning opportunity, and a fantastic fam trip!”
Linda Reynolds, The Personal Travel Agents at Your Coop (Midcounties Co-operative)
“I applied to the TTG LGBT+ Travel Ambassadors programme to learn and embrace all communities' challenges with travel. I believe everyone should be able to travel safely and have access to experts to assist them with making informed choices for their travel wants and needs.
“Future holiday offers and adverts will advocate and show allyship to marginalised communities, plus I will offer to research in more depth to ensure my clients can travel with more confidence and with caring tour operators.”
Full coverage of the inclusive fam trip to India coming soon on ttgmedia.com.