Diva Dialogues: Unlocking Inclusive Growth in Tourism
The Business Case for 2SLGBTQI+ Inclusive Travel
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Sawdust City Brewery, Gravenhurst
Admission: $15.00 per person
Why This Matters
In today’s ever-changing travel climate, with unpredictable highs and lows, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers represent a major opportunity for stable, long-term success in the Canadian tourism industry.
- The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) Foundation projects that by 2030, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers will spend US $600 billion annually.
- Globally, the community already drives an economic impact of US $4.7 trillion—outpacing the GDPs of Japan, Germany, and the UK.
- Market research from CGLCC confirms that this travel segment consistently outspends heterosexual travellers, rebounds faster after industry shocks, and actively seeks authentic, safe, and welcoming travel experiences.
Recent studies highlight that:
- 83% of travellers in this segment prefer destinations known for being welcoming.
- Only 22% care about a destination being considered a “popular LGBTQ hotspot.”
- 90% say a destination’s inclusive reputation directly influences their decision to visit.
For regional operators, this represents a $12B opportunity in Canada alone.
Event Agenda
11:45 AM – Networking Lunch
Meet fellow operators, stakeholders, and community leaders.
12:00 PM – Opening Remarks & Drag Show
- Andrew Seigwart, CEO, TIAO
- Enya Dreams & Aria Reddy
12:20 PM – Lunch
12:30 PM – Presentation
James Murphy, CEO, Explorers’ Edge & Ellen Selby, Economic Development Coordinator, Town of Gravenhurst
Topics include:
- Who the 2SLGBTQI+ traveller is.
- Market size and growth potential.
- Case studies (Whistler, Montreal, Hotel Zed).
- Key insight: Authenticity and readiness matter more than token gestures.
1:00 PM – Panel Discussion
Moderated by James Murphy, Confirmed panelists:
- Michelle Emson, Muskoka Queer Film Festival / Theatre Muskoka
- Enya Dreams – Drag Artist & Producer
- Aria Reddy – Bala Bay Inn Event Coordinator
They’ll share real-world insights, challenges, and successes in authentically engaging the 2SLGBTQI+ market.
1:40 PM – Q&A + Closing Remarks
Interactive discussion and next steps.
2:00 PM – Event Concludes
Complimentary Rainbow Registered Accreditation
As part of this initiative, 30 complimentary spots are available for businesses to become Rainbow Registered—Canada’s trusted national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity in tourism.
Normal Accreditation Fees
- 10 employees or less: $250/year + $49 assessment fee
- 11–100 employees: $400/year + $199 assessment fee
- 101+ employees: $525/year + $274 assessment fee
Special Offer
This year, FedNor is generously covering the cost of Rainbow Registered accreditation for eligible Northern Ontario businesses.
Why Become Rainbow Registered?
- Trusted National Accreditation – A visible signal that your business is 2SLGBTQI+ friendly.
- Independent Assessment – Backed by impartial evaluation of your policies, training, and practices.
- Market Advantage – Tap into one of the most valuable tourism segments in Canada.
- Community Impact – Join a growing network of Canadian businesses committed to diversity and inclusion.
Rainbow Registered is more than certification—it’s a business advantage.
To claim your funded membership and assessment, email [email protected].
Limited-time, first-come-first-served offer.
Bios
Andrew Siegwart is President & CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and one of Canada’s most trusted tourism advocates.
A collaborative leader with more than 20 years of experience in national, provincial, and regional markets, he is known for driving policy influence, stakeholder engagement, and sector-wide alignment to position tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and community well-being.
Andrew previously led the Blue Mountain Village Association and held senior national roles with the Retail Council of Canada and Tourism HR Canada. He is also host of Forward Motion: The Ontario Tourism Podcast, showcasing the people and ideas shaping Ontario’s visitor economy.
Enya Dreams, known as the “Northern Knockout,” began her drag journey in Toronto in 2013 and has since built a reputation as one of Ontario’s most dynamic performers. Blending edgy glamour, fierce energy, and sharp wit, Enya has headlined stages across the province as well as Crave Tv’s show Drag Brunch Saved My Life and has worked with major corporate partners to bring inclusive, high-impact drag to wider audiences. Enya co-produces celebrated drag brunches and community events through Tripps & Nico, showcasing her commitment to creativity, inclusivity, and elevating queer artistry
Aria Reddy is a dancing diva with a passion for kicking, bucking, and twirling her way into the spotlight. In just over a year of doing drag, she has already made a name for herself by bringing fierce energy, fiery performances, and undeniable stage presence to every show. Aria is the powerhouse behind the semi-regular Bala Bay Divas at the historic Bala Bay Inn, where she lights up the stage and keeps the crowd on their feet.
Michelle Emson is an international human rights activist, author, speaker, entrepreneur, technologist, and documentary filmmaker, with a focus on transgender, LGBTQI, and women’s rights. She is the founder of Sanctuary Studios, Inc. and serves as Executive & Technical Director of Theatre Muskoka at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre.
Recipient of the YWCA Muskoka Women of Distinction Award (2017) and a current Board member, Michelle has also been a founding director of Dignity Network Canada and Director of Technology for Women’s March Global. She has worked closely with Muskoka Pride, helping launch the Muskoka Queer Film Festival, now in its seventh year.
An openly transgender woman, Michelle shares her journey to promote awareness and acceptance through speaking, workshops, and writing, including her contribution to I Bared My Chest. She has produced two documentaries: Pride of Ukraine (2015) and Transgender Life in Slovenia (2016).
