Phuket held training on welcoming LGBTQ+ visitors on 21 October, ahead of next week’s InterPride General Meeting & World Conference. Government and business representatives, students and other local personnel joined the session at Duangjitt Resort & Spa.

According to Radio Phuket’s government news account, trainers from TransTalents Consulting Group and Dusit Thani College shared practical service tools and led simulation exercises. The provincial Industry Office separately confirmed that two of its staff attended.

Opening the session, Phuket’s deputy governor emphasised the people visitors meet along the way. Immigration officers, volunteers, hotel operators and retail and event staff all needed cultural understanding and appropriate service skills, the account said.

That puts attention on everyday encounters beyond the conference room. The stated aim is for LGBTQ+ visitors to receive a warm, equal welcome, with local personnel better prepared to serve people of different backgrounds.

The conference runs from 29 October to 1 November, with a separate pre-conference on 28 October. Fridae’s earlier preview looks at the programme, including discussions of advocates’ wellbeing and conversations across generations.