Charlie Douty | Founder & Director
Welcome With Pride

Charlie Douty is the Founder of Welcome With Pride, Australia’s leading LGBTIQ+ inclusive tourism training and accreditation program. Welcome With Pride works with hotels and accommodation providers including Accor, Hilton and Hyatt to deliver consistently inclusive guest experiences and create an internal culture of belonging in the workplace. In turn, enabling brands to earn the trust and loyalty of this high-value segment forecast to spend $USD600b on tourism by 2030. Grounded in research with over 1,000 LGBTIQ+ travelers, Welcome With Pride supports businesses to move beyond token gestures towards consistent and genuine inclusion, through a unique blend of staff e-learning, leadership workshops, and industry accreditation—addressing the 60% of travelers who hide their identity while on holiday in Australia and the 88% who say staff training is essential to feeling safe and welcome. Charlie is Australia's leading thought leader in LGBTIQ+ inclusive hospitality and has trained thousands of hospitality businesses across Australia. Following the program, 91% of Hilton team members reported feeling more confident delivering inclusive experiences. Drawing on his own lived experience, Charlie is on a mission to build a more inclusive tourism industry—one where LGBTIQ+ guests can express their authentic selves freely, and staff feel a powerful sense of belonging at work. Don't miss the opportunity to hear from Charlie at NoVacancy 2025 and learn how you can make your accommodation business more inclusive and welcoming for all.