Rainbow Ready Accreditation Program

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What the program is
  • The Rainbow Ready Accreditation Program recognises tourism businesses committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive experiences for people of diverse genders and sexualities.
  • Originally developed in Tasmania in 2013, the program has been updated and expanded for national implementation through the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF).
  • The program supports businesses to strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion through education, self-assessment and continuous improvement.
  • Accreditation recognises businesses that demonstrate inclusive practices across their operations, communications and visitor experiences.
  • The program helps businesses identify opportunities for improvement while gaining formal recognition for their commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Why it matters for your business
  • Demonstrates your commitment to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, valued and included.
  • Helps build trust and confidence among LGBTQIA+ visitors, guests and staff.
  • Supports businesses in meeting evolving community expectations and industry best practice.
  • Provides practical guidance to strengthen inclusive policies, procedures and customer experiences.
  • Enhances your business reputation as an inclusive and welcoming tourism operator.
  • Contributes to a more inclusive and accessible tourism industry across Australia.
How it works
  • Businesses must hold Sustainable Tourism accreditation before applying for Rainbow Ready accreditation
  • Complete a mandatory LGBTQIA+ awareness training course through the Quality Tourism eLearning Hub (or an approved equivalent) and provide evidence of completion
  • Undertake a self-assessment against the Rainbow Ready standards
  • Businesses must demonstrate inclusive practices across five areas:
    o Policies and Compliance
    o Operational Systems and Practices
    o Physical Environment and Marketing
    o Guest Resources and Information
    o Staff Development and Preparedness
  • Assessments are reviewed through submitted evidence – an onsite assessment is NOT required
  • Accredited businesses complete an annual renewal to maintain their accreditation
Who can apply?

Any tourism business that holds Sustainable Tourism Accreditation and is committed to improving LGBTQIA+ inclusion practices.

The program is open to tourism businesses of all sizes that want to strengthen their inclusive practices and create welcoming environments where all visitors feel respected, valued and supported.

Practical benefits
  • Build staff confidence through LGBTQIA+ awareness training.
  • Strengthen inclusive policies, procedures and customer service practices.
  • Identify opportunities to improve visitor and staff experiences.
  • Gain recognised accreditation for your commitment to inclusion.
  • Promote your achievement through approved marketing assets.
  • Support a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and welcome.
  • Demonstrate alignment with industry best practice and continuous improvement.
Simple way to explain the program

“Rainbow Ready Accreditation recognises tourism businesses committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive experiences for people of diverse genders and sexualities through demonstrated LGBTQIA+ inclusive practices.”

FAQs
What is Rainbow Ready Accreditation?

Rainbow Ready Accreditation recognises tourism businesses that are committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive experiences for people of diverse genders and sexualities.

Why was this program created?

The program was developed to help tourism businesses strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion through education, self-assessment and continuous improvement, while providing recognition for businesses that demonstrate inclusive practices.

Is this a national program?

Yes. The first iteration of Rainbow Ready, dates to 2013 in Tasmania.  The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT), in consultation with Rainbow Communities Tasmania Inc and, Coming Out Proud Program Community Liaison Committee, collaborated to create the first program of its kind for tourism businesses in Tasmania. 

To prepare the program for national implementation to the QTF, ATIC collaborated with Dr Faith Ong (The University of Queensland), Associate Professor Clifford Lewis (Charles Sturt University) and Dr Luke Greenacre (Monash University).  The project team conducted a series of interviews and surveys with industry stakeholders, businesses, and individuals to better understand the perceived relevance of an LGBTQIA+ program and the value it could provide to the tourism industry.  The combination of the original program plus these recent survey findings resulted in the current version of the program.