“The importance that tourism plays in the Czech ecoonomy is huge and growing“, said Czeslaw Walek, Prague Pride’s Board Chair. “Our goal for the two days is to help the Central and Eastern Europe tourism sector learn from global experts how to grow this important market.“
Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications added “Prague Pride is quickly cementing its reputation as a vital crossroads for LGBT travel and cross-cultural marketing. I am honored to celebrate our Czech hosts and global partners who are opening doors for LGBT visitors, families, entrepreneurs and leaders.”
Experts from China, Germany and the Czech Republic will present current data on LGBT travel trends.
The Thursday program revolves around LGBT tourism in the private sector as well as marketing support for LGBT tourism by public tourism authorities. Global panelists include Richard Gray, Managing Director, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications, a leading LGBT communications strategist, and Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market Management, Visit Berlin.
Friday’s focus will be on transgender tourism. Panelists will discuss how the travel and tourism industry can best offer a great vacation with no compromises about personal identity. The topic will be introduced by Lexi Dee, the president of Southern Comfort Conference, the biggest transgender travel conference in the United States. “What an incredible honor it is to participate in Prague Pride this year and experience all this festival offers, while sharing with attendees how diversity and the LGBTQ community is an integral part of the personality and vibe for a destination to be truly inclusive, said Richard Gray,” Managing Director, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our historic transgender campaign has positioned Greater Fort Lauderdale as a global visionary and accepting leader. With a new all Families Rule advertising campaign featuring the modern definition of family, we are once again leading the way in North America for LGBTQ marketing.” Added Lexi Dee, President of the Southern Comfort Transgender Conference “Having been an advocate for the transgender community for many years, one of my most important goals is to help ensure that all people of the LGBTQ community, that traveling can be safe and fun! Many places throughout the world now welcome our people and Pride events are being held in most countries.”
Both days offer exceptional networking opportunities and the ability to have one-on-one conversations with the experts. Panels will be moderated by 30 year LGBT travel Industry veteran, Charlie Rounds and will be held at the Marriott Hotel Prague.
