What is the Rainbow Tourism Accreditation program?

RainbowTourism.com operates a global network of websites aimed at gay & lesbian and women travellers.

As an international online marketing company, RainbowTourism.com is now providing an unprecedented distribution channel for tourism operators via an online booking system.

RainbowTourism.com's realtime direct booking engine and promotional publications list ONLY gay owned and operated or gay-friendly tourism businesses. Now, mainstream accommodations, car hire companies, and tour operators can participate in RainbowTourism.com marketing promotions and they can display the RTA logo on their own materials to encourage travel agents and meeting planner sales as well as direct consumer bookings.

RTA will be promoted internationally as a symbol of reliable information about operators who welcome women or gay & lesbian travellers.

Who may participate?

Rainbow Tourism International's mission is to identify and help promote hotels, resorts and other accommodation which genuinely welcome gay & lesbian or women travellers and that will meet the expectations of these groups with consistent quality. Any gay-friendly or woman-friendly accommodation may participate as long as it has policies and training to back-up its non-discriminatory claims and a record of supporting the gay community or providing distinct, value-added services to gay and lesbian travellers.

How do I achive RTA approval?

There are three easy steps in the process of achieving RTA approval.

1. Complete the application form.
2. RainbowTourism.com reviews and approves your application.
3. Pay the Rainbow Tourism Accreditation fee.

What does it cost?

The RTA annual fee is NZ$100 in New Zealand, AU$100 plus GST in Australia, AU$100 in South Pacific Islands and US$100 in other regions. There's a one-time administrative set up fee of $25 in applicable currency.

If you sign up for our standard or premium package or are an IGLTA member this fee is waived.

What are the operator benefits?

A tremendous opportunity exists for travel suppliers to introduce and promote products and services to the gay & lesbian traveller. Almost any travel or tourism services can be positioned as gay-friendly or woman-friendly with professional sensitivity and distinct added value. Our online booking system is the key to increasing your market share, especially if you offer accommodation in hot gay & lesbian destinations like New Zealand, Australia and islands of the South Pacific.

Once RTA approved, your business will be:

• Listed on several key gateway sites.
• Able to use the RTA logo on all your print and online promotional materials which will increase your market share and provide competitive advantage in the marketplace.
• Qualified for discounts on advertising in RainbowTourism.com online marketing and print publications, including Google AdWord Campaigns and pamphlets distributed at major gay & lesbian events like Mardi Gras, Sydney, and Big Gay Out, Auckland, held annually in major cities across New Zealand and Australia.

What other details should I know?

You can begin using the RTA symbol once we have received your application form with payment of the annual fee, and your formal approval will be sent within two weeks of our verification process. RTA Application Form.

The documentation

Submit the application form online and fax or post your supporting qualifications to the headquarter office:

Rainbow Tourism International Pty Ltd
P.O. Box 20891 
World Square 2002 NSW
Australia
Fax: +61-2-8221-9748

Verification & annual review

The accreditation is strictly subject to review before renewal. We ask consumers to provide feedback on their experience with participating RTA suppliers. Rainbow Tourism International will re-verify the information on your registration application form at renewal time.

Compliance

The RTA program sets minimum standards for participating businesses to achieve. If a customer complaint is not responded to satisfactorily, this may result in a business losing their RTA accreditation status.

Accounts & Payments

Renewals will be due annually for the subsequent year of participation. You can pay the fee electronically with PayPal, iPay, or EFT in your local currency. Alternatively, you can pay by credit card or cheque as detailed on the application form.