To celebrate, AccorHotels has enlisted the help of ‘Shebeast’, the apt drag name of Gavin Loveday, Pullman Sydney Hyde Park’s Associate Director of Sales and Marketing, to paint rainbow crossings across two of Sydney’s most renowned LGBTI+ friendly hotels.

A 3 metre rainbow crossing will be painted on the driveway of Pullman Sydney Hyde Park, the starting point of the Mardi Gras parade on March 2, located on Oxford Street. Pullman Sydney Hyde Park has deep roots within the LGBTI+ community, renowned for hosting their annual ‘Rainbow Lounge’ Mardi Gras pre-parade party.

Celebrated for their active ‘yes’ stance during the 2017 Same Sex Marriage Vote by transforming its 10 metre roof-top ‘Novotel’ sign to read YES-Vote-l, Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour will also make a splash with a rainbow painted crossing across their driveway in celebration of AccorHotels’ partnership of the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival.

In addition to the colourful painted crossings, AccorHotels will host an array of Mardi Gras Festival talent at its hotels and invite all its Sydney CBD hotels to animate their lobbies with activations and external signage displays throughout the festival from 15 February to 4 March.

Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer AccorHotels Pacific said the announcement was a momentous occasion for the group’s commitment toward embracing diversity and inclusion.

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Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer AccorHotels Pacific

“We are incredibly proud to once again partner with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival. After seeing how much pride and joy our partnership last year brought to both our team members and guests, it was without doubt that we would show our support as Official Accommodation partner in 2019.

“As Australia’s largest hotel group, we are proud to take a leadership role in championing diversity and inclusivity. For us, accepting diversity is not enough. Instead, we celebrate and encourage the diversity of our people and guests each day. Embracing diversity and equal opportunities, leads to a positive and productive workforce which ultimately results in career development, greater debate, decision-making and outcomes for our business, Australia’s hospitality industry and boarder society.”

AccorHotels was announced a finalist in the LGBTI Awards 2018. The hotel group is a proud supporter of a number of key LGBTI+ events and initiatives, including, Pride Marches, Pride Games, supporting marriage equality and celebrating an internal Inclusion and Diversity Week.

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