The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association recently formed a global partnership with Asociacion Turismo de Madrid to share in the promotion of WorldPride 2017, a celebration of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people worldwide. WorldPride 2017, scheduled for 29 June to 3 July, will coincide with the 40th anniversary of Madrid Pride. The week’s festivities will include art, gastronomy, shopping, nightlife and a never-ending stream of leisure activities. Events will also be planned throughout 2017.
"A year after hosting a very successful Annual Global Convention in Madrid, IGLTA is excited and honored to partner with the region for WorldPride 2017," says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. "We will be coordinating with our tourism business members and media in advance of the event to assist in growing the attendance."
Madrid is already home to the largest pride event in Europe. The regional and local governments have long supported LGBT equality, and the city boasts a lively gay neighborhood, Chueca, where many of the WorldPride festivities will be held.
“We are thrilled to host WorldPride 2017 on the heels of a highly successful EuroPride,” said Carlos Chaguaceda, Director General de Turismo. “We are hopeful that this will be the largest attended edition of WorldPride yet. We look forward to welcoming the world to our vibrant region in 2017.”
Toronto hosted the previous WorldPride in 2014, attracting more than 2 million visitors who spent approximately CAD 719 million over the course of the 10-day festival.
