Martin Hiller on Travelling When LGBTQ+: “Filled With Wanderlust, I Am Always Planning My Next Adventure”
Travel
Interview with Martin Hiller,
Hi Martin – thanks for chatting with us! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Filled with wanderlust, I am always planning my next adventure. I love learning new things and experiencing first-hand what a place has to offer. Through my travels and work, I get to engage with people on a variety of topics which fuels my inner student. I am the secret weapon for any 30 Seconds team. My decorating style is maximalism and my home is filled with memories from my travels and pictures of my two Boston Terriers – Pia & Dexter. At RX I am the marketing, content + creative director for the travel, tourism, and cultural industries portfolio for Africa. My favourite part of this role is that I am responsible for EQUAL Africa – a conference dedicated to LGBTQ+ travel.
Are you out to your colleagues and clients abroad?
Yes, I am fortunate to work for a company that is committed to building a strong culture of inclusion, diversity, equity and belonging. RX has created an environment which enables everyone to thrive whoever and wherever they are.
How do you check the LGBTQ+ friendliness of a country before traveling?
There is a great LGBTQ+ travel index by Asher and Lyric which I use. I also tap into the IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) network.
What are your favorite holiday destinations and why?
Art, architecture, and food are always top of the must-do activities at any destination I travel to. I enjoy exploring cities and immersing myself in the daily life of the places I visit. I have a travel philosophy - Do what the locals do. I have a trip to Rome, Milan and Venice planned for later this year and they tick all my must-haves for a holiday destination.
Martin in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
Would you book a holiday in a country that is not LGBTQ+ friendly when travelling alone? What about when travelling with your partner?
Yes, on both accounts. My husband and I are avid travelers and we educate ourselves on the places we visit with the laws and attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community.
Do you think “pink tourism” can be a powerful economic force?
Without a doubt. Roger Dow sums it up best, “They’re adventurous and like new experiences. They have a penchant for travel far greater than their heterosexual counterparts. They travel more and spend more when they travel. They’re the darlings of the travel industry when it comes to spending”. This comes as no surprise as research conducted in 2019 by consulting firm OUT Now, valued the LGBTQ+ travel industry at USD 211 Billion. A number that despite of COVID has grown.
Martin and Wayne, Sri Lanka
Where is on your bucket list?
Ever since I watched Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, I have always wanted to visit Petra. I am fascinated with this city carved from stone. Another bucket list item is the Petra Marathon.
Lastly, what’s your advice for travelling when LGBTQ+?
1. Select your destination.
Research the local LGBTQ+ policies and social attitudes before travelling. Check out the LGBTQ+ travel safety index by Asher and Lyric which can be found here. Some questions to ask before settling on a destination - Are you comfortable closeting yourself on the road? How important are public displays of affection? Are you traveling as a couple? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down the best destinations for you.
2. Support LGBTQ+ businesses.
Using LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming tour operators and service providers will always alleviate some of the anxiety associated with traveling as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) provides a comprehensive list of businesses in more than 80 countries that have made a commitment to celebrating and welcoming the LGBTQ+ community.
3. Using LGBTQ+ dating apps & social media
Dating apps and social networks are a great way to connect with local LGBTQ+ people while traveling. You’ll be able to find the local hangouts, the best parties and learn about local culture from people who live in the area. You can even connect with locals before you arrive. If you choose to use these services in countries where you’re worried about your safety, make your accounts private or download a VPN service onto your phone. VPN, while not foolproof, allows you to avoid government censorship and issues of entrapment in other countries.
Martin in Thailand at a unicorn cafe
Martin is a speaker at WorkPride 2023's Creative Queers panel on June 23 at 14.00 BST. Click here to register.
