Cruise.co.uk has joined the boycott on the Brunei-owned Dorchester Collection after the country introduced the death penalty for homosexuality.
The cruise agent has joined celebrities including Sir Richard Branson (see tweet below), Stephen Fry and Ellen DeGeneres in the boycott of the hotel group, which has The Dorchester, Coworth Park, Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel in its portfolio.
Last week Brunei introduced Sharia law that increased the sentence for homosexuality from a maximum 10 years in prison to death by stoning.
No @Virgin employee, nor our family, will stay at Dorchester Hotels until the Sultan abides by basic human rights http://t.co/k1hMHAS5ft
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) May 3, 2014
“As soon as we heard this news there was only ever one course of action we could take,” said cruise.co.uk’s managing director Seamus Conlon. “Nothing brings people together more than travel. This is one of the core philosophies of our business and something like this is anathema to that principal.”
Customers who ask for the hotels will be offered an alternative.
The Dorchester Collection is said to be owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, a wealth fund under Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s Ministry of Finance.
Dorchester Collection reacts
“While we recognise people’s concerns, we believe this boycott should not be directed to our hotels and dedicated employees. The economic impact of this not only affects our loyal team members but extends to the local community, our valued partners and suppliers.
“Today’s global economy needs to be placed in a broader perspective. Most of us are not aware of the investors behind the brands that have become an integral part of our everyday life, from the petrol we put in our cars, to the clothes we wear, to the way we use social media, and to the hotels we frequent. European companies across the board are funded by foreign investment, including Sovereign Wealth Funds.
“During this challenging time, we have been deeply touched by the tremendous support received from our loyal guests and long standing business partners who recognise that Dorchester Collection hotels are part of the fabric of their local communities. We will continue to honour their iconic heritage and remain committed to our core values of integrity, equality and diversity.”
Christopher Cowdray, CEO, Dorchester Collection
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