TORONTO — Transat Distribution Canada is planning what it says is an industry first: a destination wedding fam in Puerto Vallarta that will include training on LGBTQ destination weddings and the special requirements of the LGBTQ wedding market.

TDC reps say the program is being developed in response to the growing demand for LGBTQ destination weddings and will include specially-developed content created by Michelle Armstrong, TDC Manager, Groups & Special Programs, following consultation with LGBTQ wedding expert Bernadette Smith, CEO, Gay Wedding Institute.

“About a third of same-sex couples are planning destination weddings, yet many popular wedding destinations don’t have marriage equality or LGBTQ-inclusive policies. It’s critical for wedding professionals to be trained advocates for these couples so they feel safe when planning a destination wedding,” says Smith.

The LGBTQ Destination Wedding Fam will take place Nov. 29 – Dec. 6 in Puerto Vallarta and will include:

• Site inspections at Transat’s preferred hotels and resorts
• Meet-and-greets with onsite wedding coordinators, visit ceremony and reception locations
• A same-sex mock destination wedding
• Hands-on workshops and in-classroom training about LGBTQ wedding market and destination weddings

A select group of TDC agents from across Canada will take part in the fam, say TDC reps.