IGLTA

During the IGLTA Global Convention in Osaka, Roseli Riva 何小玫 (she/her) presented an inspiring short film by Francesco Fornaini, created together with our member Let's Wed and in collaboration with Wed Me. ✨🎥 This video transports us back in time to Florence, a city that, under the Medici family, became a haven for LGBTQ+ artists, philosophers, and thinkers. Its reputation for queer inclusion was so well-known that, at the time, many European countries referred to homosexuality as "the Florentine vice." In 1512, a group of aristocrats took a stand to end the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Florence—a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for modern LGBTQ+ rights movements. Watch the video to experience a powerful story of resilience, freedom, and Florence’s lasting legacy. 🩷

The IGLTA Foundation, in partnership with International Experience Canada (IEC), has unveiled key findings from a survey that dives into the travel experiences and aspirations of LGBTQ+ travelers aged 18–35. 🗺️✨ This research helps us understand their unique needs and create programs that empower them to explore the world with confidence and pride. Curious about what we discovered? Read the full report:  https://lnkd.in/dsfatA9K What do you think are the biggest challenges LGBTQ+ young adults face while traveling? Share your thoughts below! 💬

#IGLTAgo is back, and you don’t want to miss it! 🗓️ #IGLTAgo is an appointment-based virtual marketplace that matches buyers and media with suppliers for 15-minute meetings. 👩💻🧑💻 The #IGLTAgo Virtual Marketplace will happen from 19-20 February, with appointment options from 10 AM - 12 AM ET (19 February) and 12 AM - 10 AM ET (20 February). All buyers and media are hosted at no cost. Buyers will receive US$100 off their IGLTA membership/renewal, and all #IGLTAgo participants will be entered into a drawing to win one of the following prizes (some restrictions apply): -US$500 Delta Air Lines Flight Gift Certificate -Copa Airlines Flight Gift Certificate -US$1,800 IGLTA Marketing Package -Complimentary Annual IGLTA Membership/Renewal -Palm Springs Convention Registration The deadline to register is 3 February! 🗓️ Register here:  https://lnkd.in/dqrrCADX

We’re pleased to announce Visit Tampa Bay as our newest Silver-level Global Partner! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ As a longtime IGLTA member, this new partnership marks a natural step forward, reinforcing Tampa Bay’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive initiatives and welcoming all travelers of every background from across the globe. “Tampa Bay’s greatest treasure – its inclusivity – shines through, solidifying that ‘All Are Welcome’,” said Santiago Corrada (he/him), President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “This partnership emphasizes our commitment to ensuring Tampa Bay remains a welcoming destination like no other, where people can come as they are and relax proudly.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eK_i7cgH

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far—you’re making a real difference—but we’re not done yet. 🩷 Your donations directly support initiatives that create safer and more inclusive travel experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals around the globe. Not able to donate today? Share this post to help us spread the message far and wide! 👐 Make your impact count: https://lnkd.in/d2PhWeaD

Last week, we hosted our first Leadership Think Tank in Brazil! 🇧🇷 This event brought together industry leaders from top organizations like Accor, WTM Latin America, Orinter, and LGBT Turismo Expo to discuss the future of LGBTQ+ tourism in Brazil. Stay tuned for our post-Think Tank report, where we'll share insights and actionable strategies for members looking to expand opportunities for LGBTQ+ travelers in this country! Thanks to all the incredible participants 👏: Alex Bernardes | LGBT+ Turismo Expo Antonietta Varlese | Accor Bianca Pizzolito | WTM Latin America Bruno Crepaldi [ele / he / él] | Itaú Unibanco Cesar Alves Ferragi | Federal University of São Carlos Gisele L. | Promo Inteligência Turística Guilherme Soares Dias | Guia Negro Jonathan Wommer | CVC CORP Jorge Souza | Orinter Tour & Travel Laís Campelo Correa Torres | Ministry of Tourism Laís Fernanda Souza | Accor Marcelo M. | MH Operator and Experiences Natalia Pesset | Visual Turismo Paulo Henrique de Oliveira | SEBRAE Pedro Marcos Cayres Gramacho | Bahia Tourism Secretariat Priscila Fabri | Grupo Arbo Rachel Quintiliano | Journalist Raphael Pagotto | Forum Empresas LGBT Ricardo Gomes | Câmara de Comércio e Turismo LGBT do Brasil

As our valued IGLTA Gold Global Partner, Belmond continues to redefine luxury travel while championing inclusivity, recently securing two prestigious accolades at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024. - Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya: Ranked No. 18 globally and honored with the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, showcasing its commitment to sustainability and authentic Mayan traditions. - Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town: Ranked No. 28 and celebrated as the Best Hotel in Africa, a testament to its legacy and seamless blend of heritage and modernity. These awards highlight Belmond’s unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional travel experiences that inspire and connect us with the art and romance of exploration. 🏳️🌈 As the first hospitality brand to establish an LGBTQ+ advisory board, Belmond has pioneered industry-wide efforts to tackle inclusivity challenges, proving that collaboration is key to creating meaningful change.

Exciting opportunity alert! 🇮🇳👀 The IGLTA Foundation India Symposium Fellowship application is now OPEN!  Are you an LGBTQ+ small business leader or tourism professional in Asia? This is your chance to receive funding, mentorship, and an unforgettable experience at the third edition of the IGLTA Foundation India Symposium 2025 in New Delhi. About the Symposium: The IGLTA Foundation's Annual LGBTQ+ Travel Symposium in India promotes inclusive travel by bringing together industry leaders and enthusiasts to foster a more inclusive travel experience. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/d8Z9S-Pn Deadline: 6 January, 2025 Questions? Contact us at info@igltafoundation.org

What an incredible reflection on the #IGLTA2024 Global Convention in Osaka! 🇯🇵 Dean Nelson’s blog beautifully captures the energy, inspiration, and collaboration that made it unforgettable. Thank you, Dean, for sharing your experience and celebrating the progress we’re making in inclusive travel. If you haven’t already, give it a read here: https://lnkd.in/dF_tfmBz

Feeling nostalgic as we look back at our 2024 Global Convention in Osaka, hosted at the incredible Swissôtel Nankai Osaka! 🇯🇵 A special shoutout to all the amazing 'Heartists' at the Swissôtel for their exceptional hospitality and to Accor, a valued IGLTA Global Partner, for helping us make history! 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️