Marriott International has launched its #LoveTravels campaign to convey the company's inclusion and celebration of the LGBT community. To help show Marriott's commitment to making all of the hotel's guests feel welcome, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, Marriott has partnered with photographer Braden Summers to feature stunning portraits of LGBT members and same-sex couples for the #LoveTravels campaign. The portraits will be displayed in billboard and outdoor ads in cities throughout the U.S., marking #LoveTravels as one of the few advertising campaigns to proudly include LGBT people in front of a mainstream audience. They will also appear in Marriott's online photo gallery.
Some of the portraits include Jason Collins, professional basketball player; Geena Rocero, fashion model and social advocate; and Talisha Padgett-Matthews, a Marriott associate. Inspiring stories behind the portrait's models as well as more photographs and information about the campaign is displayed on LoveTravels.Marriott.com. You can also follow the campaign using #LoveTravels on Twitter and Instagram.
One model for #LoveTravels shared why she thought the portraits are so powerful and why the campaign is important:
Even if we come across people who don't necessarily agree with our appearance or our lifestyle or the fact that we love each other the way that we do, I feel like [this campaign] translates into a way that people can connect with.
Marriott International has consistently earned 100 percent perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index as one of the Best Employers for LGBT People, and for several years, it also has been a supporting member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, committed to diverse suppliers including LGBT businesses.
See the video below to hear Marriott International CEO Arne Sorenson talk about the #LoveTravels campaign and its importance on MSNBC:
Also be sure to check out this behind-the-scenes video of the campaign:
Finally, take a look at the beautiful portraits from the campaign!
