Pink Tourism: Strategic Approach in the Tourist Destinations of Tayabas City on the LGBTQIA+ Community

The fundamental goal of the research on LGBTQIA+ in tourism is to investigate the experience and issues that LGBTQI+ people confront when traveling as well as find out strategies that have been implementated. The study seeks to give insights into the specific requirements and need of LGBTQIA visitors, which may benefit tourism organizations in creating more inclusive and encouraging surroundings. The study can help tourism organizations establish approaches for fostering diversity and inclusivity in the sector by knowing the strategies experiences by the LGBTQIA+ community when traveling . The study also aims to comprehend the influence of LGBTQIA+ tourism on society. The research focused on the examination of delivering strategis plans using the exploration approach that included several analyses. This study uses the qualitative-exploratory method and a questionnaire that focuses on the level of inclusivity, strategies of the establishment and LGU tourism office, and challenges and problems faced by LGBTQIA+ travelers or organizations. Purposive sampling is used in collecting the data, and thematic analysis is used in interpreting the collected answers to the questionnaires. Results showed that Tayabas City has a welcoming and accepting environment. On the other hand, participants still faced challenges and were able to identify those, and there are some parts of the town where the distinctions of LGBTQIA+ were still not fully understood. To Add, It was identified that confusion arises whenever they use a bathroom. Due to this, the participants suggested how these challenges and barriers were overcome. Overall, the findings suggest the strategies implemented need improvement, and the level of inclusivity is high. The study found that LGBTQIA+ travelers still face challenges even though they are being treated as a family because how some part of the townb are not well-knowledgeable of their existence. Strengthening promotions, putting up 3rd bathroom, seminars, and training were recommended to strengthen inclusivity and improvement of strategies.