A gay getaway to a casino resort may bring to mind images of the Las Vegas Strip, but there’s an East Coast alternative that actively markets to the LGBTQ community.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey has an entire program called OUT at Borgata, with travel packages suitable for solo travelers, couples or groups. The hotel also proudly hosts the Miss’d America drag show each October.
We discussed the OUT program and its creation with Liza Costandino, Director of Communications for the hotel.
TravelPulse: Tell us about the genesis of OUT at Borgata. When was it launched, what does it encompass, whose idea was it?
Liza Costandino: OUT at Borgata was launched in 2015. Borgata has always supported diversity and inclusion, and the program encompasses exclusive hospitality and entertainment events for our LGBTQ friends, plus a full commitment to “doing the right thing” for the resort’s LGBTQ team members.
In fact, for three years in a row, Borgata has received a perfect 100 score on The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, making Borgata one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.”
TP: What are some of the typical sorts of packages that OUT at Borgata features?
LC: Our OUT at Borgata Hotel Package includes an overnight stay in a Fiore Suite at Borgata, a $50 dining credit to use at any of our signature restaurants, two cocktails at B Bar, plus a Spa Toccare day pass. We also offer a plethora of other resort and entertainment options throughout the year. More information is available at www.outatborgata.com.
READ MORE: What LGBT Travelers Want Out of Hotels
TP: What have you found to be the most effective ways to promote OUT at Borgata?
LC: Besides traditional media, we work with an LGBTQ blogger who covers both events throughout the resort, plus news from a number of partner organizations. Our relationships with a host of LGBTQ organizations—such as the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance, the Independence Business Alliance, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, and The Human Rights Campaign—provides additional philanthropy and visibility to the larger LGBTQ community.
TP: Do you do diversity training with staff?
LC: Borgata’s commitment to the LGBTQ community doesn’t just end with the resort experience. The property proudly supports diversity and embraces its LGBTQ travel enthusiasts, team members and friends by presenting a multi-tier approach to inclusivity—from creating a premier travel experience to ensuring a workplace that’s committed to providing equal employment for all team members.
Diversity and inclusivity training is provided to all of Borgata’s team members to ensure this promise is met on every level.
TP: Have you seen any changes in your LGBTQ wedding and honeymoon business since same-sex marriage was legalized in all 50 states?
LC: As Borgata is located in New Jersey, which has enjoyed marriage equality since 2012, our property has had the pleasure to host a number of LGBTQ weddings since that time.
Whether the happy couple is a groom and a groom, a bride and a bride, or a bride and a groom, Borgata and its signature hotel, The Water Club, are thrilled to welcome LGBTQ guests as they celebrate their nuptials in Atlantic City. Our dedicated team of wedding specialists work to plan their entire day from beginning to end.
READ MORE: 5 Places in Sydney to Have a Same-Sex Wedding
TP: What advice would you give to a property that is developing its first LGBTQ marketing program?
LC: It is important to have a wide spectrum of LGBTQ individuals as part of the planning and marketing of the program. Additionally, partnering with LGBTQ organizations is critical to not only build key relationships but to also assist with name recognition within the community.
TP: Tell us a little about the Miss’d America Pageant. How long have you hosted the event, and what kind of traffic does that being to the property?
LC: The Miss’d America Pageant has a rich history and is the signature fundraiser for the Greater Atlantic City GLBT Alliance.
The original pageant was designed as a parody of the world-famous Miss America Pageant: Many of the hospitality and beauty employees who worked the Miss America Pageant were gay and would miss the actual festivities of the pageant. Therefore, the Miss’d America Pageant was born.
Miss’d America has been featured at Borgata for the last three years and, in 2017, Borgata assisted in raising the cash prize for the winner. We are thrilled to partner with our friends at the AC GLBT Alliance and look forward to working with them on the event every year. The event draws more than a thousand guests to our property and Atlantic City.
TP: What new things can LGBTQ travelers expect from the Borgata in 2018?
LC: No matter if our guests are LGBTQ or just love Borgata, we are proud to always offer something new. This year, we opened a new signature fine dining restaurant—Angeline by Iron Chef and The Chew co-host Michael Symon.
We’re constantly reinvesting back in our property, and now as an MGM Resort Destination, our guests have the ability to enjoy our M life Rewards program at Borgata and a wide spectrum of properties across the country.
