On Tuesday, it became known that the group management at Thon Hotels had instructed employees not to raise the rainbow flag in June. The chain explained that they wanted to be neutral. Several people reacted to the decision, including the group’s trustees. On Wednesday morning, Thon states that they are turning around. – Many have perceived our decision not to have the Pride flag in our hotels as if we do not support the Pride marking. We absolutely do, explains Morten Thorvaldsen, who is executive director. He says that diversity, inclusion and tolerance are central values in the entire Olav Thon Group’s business strategy. – We have a long tradition of working for equal opportunities and highlighting Pride in our hotels. But when committed employees and friends perceive that we distance ourselves from the values we stand for, we have underestimated the power and signaling effect of not raising the Pride flag while we celebrate diversity. That is why we change the decision and raise the flag, says Thorvaldsen. Morten Thorvaldsen is executive director of Thon Hotels. Photo: Thon Hotels He says that diversity, inclusion and tolerance are a prerequisite for their business and operations. – We hope and look forward to people taking to the streets and marking Pride this year as well, many of our employees will do that. We will also show our support in social media and in our hotels, says Thorvaldsen. Glad the chain turns Silje Viken Skarlund is director at Thon Hotel Ålesund. She is currently on holiday and was very surprised when the decision from the Thon management not to raise the Pride flag first came. Hotel director at Thon Hotell in Ålesund, Silje Viken Skarlund, is happy that the lease has turned around. Photo: Privat Skarlund says that she did not perceive the intention behind the first decision as a desire to exclude someone. – But I am very happy that they saw that the decision was perceived in a different way than I think they thought. Skarlund believes that there is respect in realizing that the decision you have made was not right and then turning around and quickly changing it. – I am very proud of that. The hotel in Ålesund will have several Pride events during June. Skarlund is personally involved after her daughter came out as queer a few years ago. Would you raise the Pride flag at the hotel even if the concert management had not changed? – Fortunately, I didn’t have to decide on that now. We are just looking forward to celebrating Pride with guests and employees, concludes Skarlund.
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Thon Hotels turns around – allowed to raise the Pride flag – news Møre og Romsdal – Local news, TV and radio
