Medina Helsinki Communications Oy, the founder of the We Speak Gay community, is presenting seven tourism operators with the We Speak Gay Trailblazer Awards for their work in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity and LGBTQ+ tourism in Finland. In addition to Tahlo Ventures, Visit Tampere was also awarded.
“The most important criterion in selecting the pioneers to be awarded has been open-minded, bold and visible year-round LGBTQ+ inclusive communication, which is essential in attracting LGBTQ+ customers,” says Hannu Medina, founder of Medina Helsinki Communications Oy and We Speak Gay Community.
This is the first time in Finland that tourism operators have been awarded for LGBTQ+ inclusive communication and LGBTQ+ friendliness.
We now want to reward companies and travel destinations that have acted as bold examples and pioneers for others both locally and nationally.” Medina continues.
Johanna Tahlo, the entrepreneur of Tahlo Ventures, says that the company has invested in rainbow communication since its foundation. The recognition received now warms the heart, especially because the work is not always easy.
“We’re a family business, so bringing family values into the accommodation and experience industry came naturally to us. Communicating about LGBTQ+ values generates a lot of discussion, and we’ve had to clear the path not only on social media but also in our local community and in many personal encounters.”
We’ll continue along this path in the future as well.
“At Tahlo, everyone is treated as their unique self, and no one is looked down upon. We’ll aim to further develop luxury accommodation packages specifically for LGBTQ+ couples worldwide while increasing awareness of Tahlo Ventures as a safe destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Our plans also include retreats tailored to this target group, and we are constantly looking for international partners.”
