W Hotels celebrates five years of pride with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

W Hotels celebrates five years of pride with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
Edited by Travel Weekly


W Hotels is celebrating the fifth year of its partnership with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras as it opens the doors of its Sydney hotel for the first time during the festivities.

“Authentic self-expression, inclusivity and the creation of a safe space for all has been at the heart of the W brand since its inception over 20 years ago”, area vice president (AU/NZ/Pacific), Marriott International, said.

Across Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels in Sydney, occupancy will finish above 90 per cent for February – bolstered by tourism around the Mardi Gras festival in combination with a huge concert calendar peaking around the Taylor Swift Sydney events, a busy meetings and events season in the Sydney CBD an ICC and cruise ship arrivals/departures.

In particular, the Sydney hotels have seen an increase of close to 15 per cent from arrivals from the USA for February compared to 2023.

W Sydney will act as a hub for inclusive pride expressions throughout the festival with several events for hotel guests, travellers and locals.

From meaningful conversations about building inclusive spaces in art with digital artist Samuel Leighton-Dore and independent artist and dancer Keiyna Lonsdale, with a lineup of Pride Sounds music events including an OutHaus Poolside session with Josh Harrison and weekly DJS.

Marriott Bonvoy Members will also enjoy exclusive access to VIP experiences via the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform – from access to the sought-after Mardi Gras After Party, VIP viewing of the Mardi Gras Parade, or the ultimate parade experience onboard the W Hotels float in the Mardi Gras Parade alongside 80 W Hotels talent.

The float this year will celebrate the values that W Hotels and their guests stand for and serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing together in the fight for equality and inclusion – take a stance. Samuel’s digital artwork will also be displayed on the float’s LED screen for all to see.

W Hotels have long been committed to making a real difference in the LGBTQIA+ community and
initiating tangible change both within and outside the organisation.

This year W Hotels have partnered with Qantas for their regional grants program which gives 9 winners across regional Australia the chance to experience a 2 night stay at W Sydney during Mardi Gras parade weekend to take part in a range of Mardi Gras events and festivities they may otherwise not have the chance to.

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