For the first time, a city on Florida’s Gulf Coast will host the
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s Annual Global
Convention, the premier educational and networking event for the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tourism industry. St. Petersburg,
Florida, home to the largest Pride event in the state and a longtime
supporter of LGBT tourism, was selected by IGLTA’s board of directors
for the 34th edition of the conference, 3-6 May 2017.
“Not only does St. Pete have a charming downtown and incredible
beaches, it also boasts major attractions like the Dali Museum and has
been actively engaged in the LGBT market,” says IGLTA Board Chair Dan
Melesurgo. “Our goal as a travel association is to showcase the host
destination in conjunction with the conference, so we look forward to
expanding the global audience for St. Pete. We know our attendees are
going to fall in love with it, if they’re not already fans.”
IGLTA’s conference will take place at the Vinoy Renaissance St.
Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, a historic downtown luxury property
that overlooks Tampa Bay. The property is part of Marriott’s collection;
the brand recently signed on as one of the association’s global
partners. Downtown St. Petersburg also is home to a thriving LGBT
community, drawing an estimated 250,000 people this year for the Pride
Parade along Central Avenue.
“As home to one of the largest Pride events in America, St.
Petersburg/Clearwater has long been a welcoming destination for the LGBT
traveler,” says David Downing, Executive Director Visit St.
Petersburg/Clearwater. “We’re honored to be the host city for IGLTA’s
2017 Annual Global Convention, and we look forward to showing off our
gorgeous white sand beaches, world-class cultural scene and unique Gulf
Coast vibe.”
For more information on the 2017 host city, see visitstpeteclearwater.com.
