“We are proud to be a partner of ETC’s first event and publication on the LGBTQ travel market and to engage many of our European members in this important discussion,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella, who delivered opening remarks at the forum along with VISITFLANDERS CEO & ETC President Peter De Wilde. “While Europe is a global leader for the LGBTQ market segment, not every country is equal in its LGBTQ inclusiveness—and the research clearly showed that inclusive destinations have the best opportunity to attract diverse visitors.”
Handbook author Peter Jordan presented the first look at this soon-to-be-released research, which focuses on perceptions of 35 states within Europe from LGBTQ travelers in five long-haul markets: Russia, China, Japan, Brazil and the United States. An open-minded culture topped the list of reasons for LGBTQ travelers to select a destination and LGBTQ events were the leading choice for their next visit to Europe.
“More tolerance, respect and understanding are the basic principles for Europe to become the ultimate inclusive tourism destination worldwide,” said ETC Executive Director Eduardo Santander. “We are very proud to see from the results of the study and the discussions today that Europe is seen as a highly desirable travel destination for the LGBTQ segment. But we know that we should not be complacent as there is still room for improvement. ETC remains committed to this goal, and events like the Educational Forum are a step in the right direction.”
Forum speakers represented tourism businesses, human rights organizations, and media, including Thomas Bachinger, Vienna Tourist Board; Mattej Valencic, Luxury Slovenia; Mateo Asensio, Turisme de Barcelona; Paulien De Groot, transgender activist; Anna Shepherd, ILGA Europe; Patrick Bontinck, visit.brussels; Kaspars Zalitis, Baltic Pride; and Sean Howell of Hornet.
“We want to see Flanders evolving towards a society in which sexual orientation will never be a question nor issue,” said De Wilde, who also moderated a panel discussion on communicating diversity to the industry and travelers with journalists from DIVA in the UK, blu media group in Germany and Out & About in Denmark. “On the contrary, we want the LGBTQ traveler to be treated with integrity and respect. VISITFLANDERS will continue to break down barriers and will focus on promoting inclusive tourism.”
The Handbook on LGBTQ Tourism in Europe is scheduled for release on 12 July and will be available for free download at iglta.org/research.
