- +39 0278622532
- info@sondersandbeach.com
We Help Companies and Tourist Destinations to get more customers and to improve their reputation through LGBTQ+ Tourism.
Increase brand loyalty by enhancing your ROI.
We are the first international tourist group in Italy which has been dealing with Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism for over 20 years, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ travel world. Based in Europe and the USA, we are among the founders of AITGL – Italian LGBTQ+ Tourism Board and ELTA – European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance. Every day, we stand with hotels, destinations, CVBs and airlines to contribute to their growth in this specific market with a unique package of services
Why is it important to promote an inclusive and diversity-respecting vacation environment?
- Social Sustainability and Inclusion: they are one of the three principles at the core of ESG criteria and the UN's 2015 SDGs objectives. Principles to which the financial system is increasingly attentive, even in the evaluation of potential investments.
- High spending potential: €8 billion in annual turnover in Italy, +38% per capita income compared to the average, high number of annual trips (3 long vacations and 2 weekends).
- Brand Loyalty: support for entities demonstrating authentic commitment to inclusivity, preferring those that are LGBTQ+-welcoming by establishing a lasting relationship with them and spreading positive word of mouth.
- Word of Mouth and Viral Marketing: The LGBTQ+ community loves to share their positive experiences.
- Competitive Positioning: differentiate themselves from the competition by demonstrating attention to specific customer needs, allow you leveraging not only on price but on a specific added value.
- Attraction and Retain Talent: Finding personnel is becoming increasingly challenging. Creating a more modern and inclusive environment can make your company more attractive to job seekers.
Accommodation Facilities
Stop using the commercial price leveraging! Stand out from other hotel offers and increase direct bookings to reduce reliance on OTA commissions.
Destinations, CVBs & DMCs
The market rewards and retains 360° inclusive destinations. CVBs and DMCs can support the destination and its tourism stakeholders, generating well-being for both citizens and guests and strengthening the destination's brand.
Airlines
Today, inclusivity is a must! Transportation companies are global ambassadors for the ethical and economic values of diversity, capable of extending its dissemination on a national and international scale.
What can we do for you?

Training
Don't Improvise! Know your Buyer Persona through market data and case studies, and acquire the right skills in LGBTQ+ Tourism, Gay Marketing, and Diversity & Inclusion Management with our online courses or with our customized on-site training for every company department: Governance, HR and Administration, Marketing - Communication and Sales, Operations.

Consulting
"Establish a Proper and Consistent Strategy! Starting with an initial assessment, we perform a Gap Analysis to propose the right solutions: from Data Analysis using AI systems to the adoption of DE&I policies in accordance with ESG criteria, through the customization of your 'product,' and the development of communication and marketing strategies tailored to the LGBTQ+ community..

Advertising
"Reach your target on specialized channels!"From the support in the design of the right advertising message (copy and visuals) to planning an Ads campaign on our LGBTQ+ Audience Network, consisting of websites, digital magazines, and social channels with over 1 million profiled users.

Event Organization
Stand closer to your stakeholders! Whatever it is, a b2b or a B2c event, we are here to support in logistics (location, F&B suppliers,) to the guests' selection (opinion leaders, influencers, decision makers), but also for business events where we can support in selecting speakers, tour operators, travel agents for LGBTQ+ fam and press trips.

Video Factory
Create high-impact multimedia content! For years, we work alongside companies and destinations to create photographic and video content targeted at promoting their products and services inclusively to the LGBTQ+ community. After an initial briefing with the client, we will create the storyboard, select potential models, and organize video and photo shoots.

Certification
Adopt Queervadis Protocol QueerVadis validated by RINA! "Our consultants will support you throughout the accreditation process, up to certification audits. Certify your company according to the QV Protocol, in line with ESG criteria, to provide an extra level of security for your guests and bring value to all your stakeholders."
Clients Say About Us
I"The UNA Group has welcomed the creation of the Diversity & Inclusion protocol and confirms the will to undertake the process to obtain the 'Queervadis Approved' label, with the start of the activity of training in collaboration with Sonders & Beach; this activity is part of the journey we've built together since UNAHOTELS Expo Fiera Milano was chosen as the headquarters for the 38th IGLTA World Convention, the global event that will shine a spotlight on the city of Milan in October 2022. The commitment to subscribe the protocol is a further step following the receipt of the LGBTQ+ Hotel Chain of the year award in 2019 and it is consistent with the ethical code of the UNA Group, founded on the value of hospitality towards all types of Italian and international travelers. A mission that is contained in our payoff 'Italian hospitality is UNA.'"
Daniele Mereu
GM UNA Hotels Group
"I am excited to share my positive review regarding the new work with you, edited on behalf of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Since we started collaborating with you, I have experienced a superlative quality of work, which has exceeded all our expectations. It goes without saying that this collaboration will continue for many more years".
Sandro Botticelli
Marketing Manager - Tourism Authority of Thailand
"Since many years now, the collaboration of the Grand Hotel et de Milan with Sonders and Beach Group has allowed our hotel to stand out in the international hospitality landscape. A valuable partner in the continuous support towards fully inclusive tourism, as well as a reference point for prestigious guests. A valuable partner in the ongoing support towards fully inclusive tourism, and a benchmark for prestigious guests. We are truly grateful to Sonders and Beach Group for the ongoing possibilities of collaboration, always aimed at enhancing our offering in all its aspects".
Andrea Piantanida
GM Grand Hotel et de Milan
Some of Our Clients








Projects Portfolio
Training
Consulting
Advertising
Events
Video Factory
Certification
Training
MUNICIPALITY OF MILAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF MILAN
MUNICIPALITY OF CREMA

MUNICIPALITY OF FLORENCE
EBTT – BILATERAL AGENCY TOURISM TUSCANY
PROVINCE OF PAVIA
PROVINCE OF ROME
ASSOWEDDING
LEONARDO HOTELS

UNA HOTELS GROUP

BEST WESTERN HOTELS ITALY
ENIT – ITALIAN NATIONAL TOURISM BOARD
KURHAUS CADEMARIO HOTEL 4S*
GRAND HOTEL ADRIATICO FLORENCE 4*
21 WOL Milan
Consulting
LGBTQ+ DESTINATION MANAGEMENT (MUNICIPALITY OF MILAN)
- Market Research and Census of Local LGBTQ+ Tourism Offer;
- Training for Local Operators;
- Creation of a Dedicated Micro Website on LGBTQ+ Tourism for YesMilano.it;
- Creation LGBTQ+ Touristic Product on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo Da Vinci;
- Production of Promotional Video and Social Media Campaigns;
- FamTrip and Press Trip with LGBTQ+ Operators and Influencers;
- Participation in trade shows in Italy and Abroad;
- Creation of the application dossier for the city of Milan to host the 39th IGLTA World Convention on LGBTQ+ Tourism;
- Management and Organization of the IGLTA 2022 Promoting Committee’s activities.

ORGANIZATIONOF SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL FAMTRIP (2010)

EURISKO MARKET RESEARCH (2018)
LANFRANCHI EDITORE MARKET RESEARCH (2019)
UNIVERSITY BOCCONI MARKET RESEARCH (2022)

Advertising
SAVE THE CHILDREN
KLM
ITA AIRWAYS
ACCOR HOTELS
RADISSON BLU HOTEL
TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF ISRAEL
EASYJET
VIRGIN ATLANTIC
MCHARTURGLENN DESIGNER OUTLET
BARILLA
ENIT
Events
GUESTS ARE GUESTS – ACCOR HOTELS ITALY (Hosted during Milan Pride Week)
OPENING RECEPTION IGLTA 2022 – SFORZA CASTE (MILAN) (700 attendees between International Institutions, Managers and Medias)
EXPO TURISMO GAY B2B (Conferences, Marketplace and Exhibition Area: from 2011 to 2015 NoFrills Trade in Bergamo | From 2017 to 2022 BIT Fiera Milano)

EXPO TURISMO GAY B2C (Europride Rome 2010 and Rome Gay Street in front of Colosseum: Entertainment and Exhibition Area)

Video Factory
ACCOR HOTELS (Video interview with Management and Collaborators to speak about DE&I in Accor Hotels)
ENIT – Italian National Tourism Board (Promotional video for IGLTA 2022)
ISRAELE
GIAPPONE (Promotional video in collaboration with ITA Airways, Tokyo and Osaka CVB)
Certification
Grand Hotel Adriatico of Florence (Support during preparation steps and audit until obtaining of QueerVadis Certification curated by RINA)

FAQs
I wonder if, in this way, I might risk of ghettoizing LGBTQ+ customers?
No because our consultancy provides tools and strategies applicable in a comprehensive manner, both within the company - to enhance the perception of well-being in the workplace for the LGBTQ+ community - and towards LGBTQ+ customers - who have expectations not only in terms of quality and service standards but also in terms of safety and dedicated offer. We consider the LGBTQ+ community as a target with its own peculiarities. By supporting these peculiarities, you can improve loyalty opportunities and brand positioning as a company that takes care to the needs of all.
Is there a possibility that I might lose mainstream customers?
If your company strongly believes in the values of respect, professional ethics, and inclusion, this may result in some defection from mainstream clientele, that does not share the importance and value of inclusivity. However, this 'selection' may also be beneficial, if the company lives seriously and with commitment the adoption of inclusive criteria and strategies for all stakeholders, including its staff and clientele. The belief that diversity adds value and generates benefits, including revenue, is now well-established. Additionally, it allows us to attract all those customers that do not necessarily belong to LGBTQ+ community but who are attentive to sustainability and inclusion issues. This audience has demonstrated a high level of loyalty and a greater focus on these values rather than the determining factor of 'price' when choosing a product or service.
"Why do I need you? Can't I do it on my own?"
Having at your disposal expert advisors allows you to avoid missteps and helps your company to make improvements. This can make a significant difference! The DE&I consultancy provided by Sonders&Beach is never standardized but it is based on the state of the art of your company and on the development goals in terms of well-being. The DE&I work is delicate as it deals with the most intimate and personal aspects of each individual.Making missteps, not having the right tools for communication, not adequately training the staff can seriously compromise the expected results, and lead to a waste of time and resources. As mentioned, our consultations are always articulate to the company's needs, and the timetable for reaching results are jointly defined.
OUR TEAM

Alessandro Cecchi Paone
Advisor

Andrea Cosimi
Key Account Manager

Giovanna Ceccherini
Senior Consultant and Trainer


