TreadRight Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Travel Corporation (TTC), has partnered with nonprofit organization Rainbow Railroad. Based in the U.S. and Canada, Rainbow Railroad aids members of the LGBTQ+ community to travel freely and escape state-sponsored persecution and violence around the world.
The LGBTQ+ community faces violence and oppression in some 70 countries. As a part of its services to this community, Rainbow Railroad provides emergency travel support to those who may face cruelty, violence and oppression due to their sexual orientation. The organization also gives travelers financial aid in the short term that will help them stay safe in their current country; offers referrals to local support organizations; and provides intel and resources including information on an individual’s right to seek asylum.
While the need for this organization to exist is heartbreaking, we are so inspired by the life-saving work Rainbow Railroad is doing, and proud that TTC and our brands are able to support through TreadRight.
Rainbow Railroad’s past work has included relocating 100 LGBTQ+ Afghans to Europe or neighboring countries after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan. And, since 2006, the organization has helped approximately 1,500 people escape violence while abroad.
TTC hopes that the partnership will allow the nonprofit to widen its scope in helping persecuted travelers travel freely and safely. This latest partnership will join TreadRight’s 60-plus philanthropic projects.
“While the need for this organization to exist is heartbreaking, we are so inspired by the life-saving work Rainbow Railroad is doing, and proud that TTC and our brands are able to support through TreadRight,” said Shannon Guihan, chief sustainability officer for TreadRight Foundation. “This partnership supports our efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).”
David Meany, director of partner marketing for TTC, added that increased DEI is “vital to the communities we visit, as well as travelers.”
“Facilitating safe and inclusive travel for TTC’s guests is paramount, and through our employee DEI training, we are taking steps to ensure all travelers feel welcome,” he said in a statement.
Facilitating safe and inclusive travel for TTC’s guests is paramount, and through our employee DEI training, we are taking steps to ensure all travelers feel welcome.
Other TTC collections designed to celebrate and educate the LGBTQ+ community include Contiki Pride and African Travel Inc.’s Pride Safaris, while its larger family of brands — including Contiki, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Red Carnation Hotels — are members of The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (a network of LGBTQ+-friendly tour operators who support and promote safety within the tourism community).
“The Travel Corporation’s Pride trips, including Contiki Pride and African Travel Inc.’s Pride Safaris, are designed to celebrate and educate about the diversity of LGBTQI+ communities around the world, while providing safe travel experiences created through the lens of LGBTQI+ travelers and travel experts,” Meany said.
More information about TTC’s DEI initiatives can be found on the company’s Impact Hub.
The Details
The Travel Corporation
TreadRight Foundation
