Luxury lifestyle brand W Hotels has signed a three-year sponsorship deal to support the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
As part of celebrations in 2022, 2023, and 2024, W Hotels will host a variety of experiences to celebrate diversity and inclusion – values that the company says are intrinsic to the brand.
“I am truly looking forward to the 2022 parade and the world-first LGBTQIA+ extravaganza in 2023,” said Marriott International Area Vice President – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific, Sean Hunt.
“Our hotels across the country will be putting on a range of exhilarating experiences to host guests and Marriott Bonvoy members pre-, post- and during this truly global celebration of diversity and inclusion.
“After the disruption to global travel over the last two years, the importance of connecting with friends, community and loved ones has never been more important.”
For the third year in a row, W Hotels will take to the stage in the 2022 parade on March 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This year, W Hotels is collaborating with Australian pop group, Cub Sport to celebrate the 2022 Mardi Gras them “United We Shine”.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO, Albert Kruger, said the organisation is delighted to have the support of W Hotels over the next three years.
“[W Hotels has] an incredible track record in creating an inclusive space for their workplace and hotel guests and are committed to diversity and equality,” Kruger said.
WorldPride comes to Sydney in 2023
Next year, Sydney will host WorldPride – the largest Pride celebration in the world – in partnership with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The festival will include a First Nations Gala Concert, Human Rights Conference, the biggest ever Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge featuring over 50-000 people, and a closing party at Bondi Beach.
“Sydney WorldPride will be the first time this global celebration has come to the southern hemisphere, and we are looking forward to welcoming our LGBTQIA+ family and friends from around the world to help us celebrate,” said Sydney WorldPride CEO, Kate Wickett.
“Through our relationship with W Hotels, guests will be able to stay just footsteps from many of our key events, and whether they want to kick on or chill out we know they will feel welcomed at a W. W Hotels are truly supportive allies, showing up and speaking out on important issues that matter to the LGBTQIA+ communities.”