TDC launching brand new LGBTQ destination wedding FAM

TDC has announced an industry first, by hosting a destination wedding FAM in Puerto Vallarta that will include comprehensive training on LGBTQ destination weddings and the special requirements of the LGBTQ wedding market.

A select group of TDC agents from across Canada will take part in this important event.

A growing demand for LGBTQ weddings

The program is being developed in response to the growing demand for LGBTQ destination weddings. It will include specially-developed content created by Michelle Armstrong, TDC manager, groups & special Programs, following valuable consultation with LGBTQ wedding expert Bernadette Smith, CEO, the Gay Wedding Institute.

Bernadette Smith is the founder and president of 14 Stories and the Gay Wedding Institute, and an award-winning author of three books about same-sex weddings.

Smith provided valuable insights and best practices on the needs of this market segment.

"About a third of same-sex couples are planning destination weddings, yet many popular wedding destinations don't have marriage equality or LGBTQ-inclusive policies. It's critical for wedding professionals to be trained advocates for these couples so they feel safe when planning a destination wedding," said Smith.

Important dates

The LGBTQ Destination Wedding Fam will be held Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, 2018 in PVR and will include:

• Site inspections at Transat’s preferred hotels and resorts
• Meet onsite wedding coordinators, visit ceremony and reception locations
• Attend same-sex mock destination wedding
• Hands-on workshops and in-classroom training about LGBTQ wedding market and destination weddings

TDC is recognized as offering the best educational programs in the industry with its own in-house training team that develop custom programs for TDC travel professionals.