IGLTA Foundation Introduces Transgender Advisory Group to Improve Resources for Gender-Diverse Travelers

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association and the IGLTA Foundation celebrate transgender and gender-expansive people, in all their diversity, for their empowering contributions to societies across the planet. We strive to eradicate the discrimination that still prevents many gender-diverse individuals from living openly and fully as their authentic selves. 

 

As part of this commitment, the IGLTA Foundation has formed a global advisory group to help the association create better resources to support gender-diverse travelers. The dynamic group includes Jacob Anderson-Minshall, Editor-in-Chief, Out Traveler; Renato Braga, Account Manager, Amadeus Brasil; Gabrielle Claiborne, CEO, Transformation Journeys Worldwide; author/advocate Dr. Elijah Nicholas; Alejandra Palma, Commercial Manager, Chile, Condor Travel; Rachel Reese, CEO, Global Butterflies; Diane Rodriguez, Founder, LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Ecuador; Stevie Tran, Founding Partner, Tran Arrowsmith; and Bella Thanakarn Vongvisitsin, Founder, LGBTIQ+ Tourism Asia. 

 

“We are very aware of underrepresentation in travel, whether it’s overall marketing that fails to include transgender and gender-diverse travelers or lack of visibility in our business network,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “We need to develop more inclusive resources to help tourism professionals better understand the needs of transgender and gender-expansive clients.”

 

“There are so many safety issues and concerns specific to transgender and gender-diverse travelers that need to receive more attention globally, and we want to ensure that the tool kit we develop is informed by those we wish to serve,” said IGLTA Foundation Board Chair Theresa Belpulsi.

IGLTA Foundation Awards First LGBTQ+ Tourism Scholarship

Ntsako Travel Africa Managing Director Lipian Mtandabari was awarded the first International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation scholarship to participate in a master's-level program at CETT, the School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy at the University of Barcelona. The virtual one-year program in LGBTQ+ tourism is the first of its kind, giving its participants the opportunity to become leaders of change in tourism through a model based on respect and inclusion. 

 

Lipian, who is from Zimbabwe, established Ntsako Travel Africa in 2018 to develop LGBTQ+ tourism in Africa, with a focus on Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia. He says that moving the narrative forward is difficult without a formal education, despite years of experience in tourism.

 

“Being a professional specializing in LGBTQ+ tourism on the African continent, a continent where education still plays a great role in the validation of one’s expertise and career proficiency, has many challenges,” Lipian said. “I believe this qualification will allow me to increase my knowledge, skills and be more relevant to the cause that I am so passionate about day in and day out. I am grateful to be selected and have no doubt that my efforts in advancing LGBTQ+ tourism will now be amplified.”

 

This scholarship was created with the generous collaboration of Queer Destinations to benefit a small business member of IGLTA and support CETT’s ground-breaking new master’s course, which launched its first module this month. 

 

The IGLTAF scholarship committee was inspired by Lipian’s story and his dedication to LGBTQ+ tourism. He previously received an IGLTAF David Martin Small Business Fellowship to attend the 2019 IGLTA Global Convention in New York City.

 

"We congratulate Lipian on being selected for the CETT program for 2022. His application rose to the top because of his passion for positively impacting LGBTQ+ tourism not only in Africa, but globally, and we know he will make great contributions to our industry," said IGLTAF Co-Secretary Eddie Canaday, who headed the selection committee. "We received applications from a wonderful group of IGLTA business candidates and we applaud them all for their commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism and hope to offer more opportunities like this in the years to come."

IGLTA to Honor Miami Tourism Pioneer

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) will present the Hanns Ebensten Hall of Fame Award to George Neary, a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ tourism, during its 36th Annual Global Convention in New York City (24-27 April). For 20 years, Neary focused on developing cultural, heritage and LGBTQ+ tourism through his role as Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The award recognizes a tourism professional from the association’s membership in more than 80 countries who has shown a longstanding commitment to making the world a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travelers. Hanns Ebensten, the award’s namesake, is largely considered the father of LGBTQ+ travel, having organized the first gay group tour in 1973.
 

“We are very proud to honor George, who has not only been a great champion for tourism in Miami, but also has been such a great friend and supporter to those of us working in tourism around the world,” said IGLTA Board Chair Juan Julià, founder and president of Barcelona-based Axel Hotels. “Even in ‘retirement,’ he continues to share his expertise with visitors to Miami through customized tours that reflect the city’s diversity, history and colorful LGBTQ+ community. Our industry is fortunate to have him.”

After retiring from the GMCVB last year, Neary launched Tours ‘R’ Us, using his extensive knowledge of Miami to lead LGBTQ+, arts and culture group tours in his home city. He also currently serves on The Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council and the Miami Beach Pride Committee and is a founding board member of the Greater Miami Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this Hall of Fame award!” Neary said. “I remember Hanns Ebensten and how he advertised in After Dark magazine for his travel programs and dreamt of going on his trips to Egypt and other exotic locations. He was the pioneer in gay travel and am thrilled to be receiving this award named in his honor!”

New York Times Travel Show partners with IGLTA for Gay Specific Programming

The New York Times Travel Show continues to increase its annual commitment to LGBT travel, working with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and other LGBT travel experts to develop gay-specific content for its Feb. 25-27 expo at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 W. 34th St., Manhattan).

The panel “Discover LGBT Travel: Hot New Destinations, Events, Tours and Cruises” is scheduled for 4 p.m., Feb. 26. Travel editor and writer Ed Salvato will moderate a globetrotting gay discussion that touches upon the Caribbean, luxury travel, adventure travel, cruises, Africa, lesbian travel, and South America. Panelists are: LoAnn Halden, IGLTA Media Relations Manager and travel editor/writer; Kenneth Hieber of 2afrika; Carlos Melia, a travel agent specializing in South America; and Andre Rojer, Marketing Manager for the Curacao Tourism Board.

On Feb. 25, when the show is open to travel professionals only, IGLTA Partner Development Manager Tom Nibbio will contribute a gay perspective to the panel “Market Opportunities for Growth.” (10 a.m.)

More than 500 destinations from around the globe are represented at The New York Times Travel Show. Stop by IGLTA’s booth, #1067 (USA, near the Canada section), for information on LGBT-welcoming travel businesses worldwide and to pick up a list of association members promoting LGBT travel on the show floor.

Consumer hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Feb. 26, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 27. For more information: www.nyttravelshow.com.

IGLTA Becomes First Gay Organization in World Tourism Organization

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association was one of 14 Affiliate Members approved for admission in the World Tourism Organization on 26 October, a first for an LGBT organization. The decision was made during the 89th session of the UNWTO executive council. Twenty-six of the 31 states comprising the executive council were in attendance, a diverse group that includes Brazil, France, Egypt, India, Iran, South Africa, and the Russian Federation.

UNWTO is a specialized agency of the United ‎Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism, serving as a ‎global forum for policy issues and a practical tourism resource.‎ IGLTA is the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses in the LGBT tourism industry.

"Partnering with such a world-renowned organization positions IGLTA and its membership at the forefront of global tourism," IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella said. "It's a testament to the progress of our association and its incredible members that IGLTA now has impact far beyond the LGBT travel niche. We are extremely pleased."

UNWTO plays a central role in promoting the developmentof responsible and universally accessible tourism. The organization unites 161 member states and territories and more than 400 Affiliate Members from the private sector. Among the new members joining alongside IGLTA were the University of Bologna (Italy), Promitur (Cape Verde) and Dar Al-Diafa for Hospitality and Tourism Education Consultancy (Jordan).

“We are delighted that IGLTA has joined forces with UNWTO. We are certain that the relationship will be mutually beneficial as we exchange information on trends in world tourism and IGLTA helps to orientate UNWTO Affiliate Members in the world of LGBT travel," said UNWTO Director of Affiliate Members, Javier Blanco. "Our two organizations share the values of sustainable, competitive travel and respect for UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and this provides an ideal framework for future collaboration."

Chicago to Host IGLTA's 30th Annual Global Convention

Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States, will serve as the site for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association's annual global convention in 2013. This is the first time for Chicago to host the organization's signature networking and educational event.

"Chicago is a wonderful fit for our 2013 convention," said Tanya Churchmuch, IGLTA Board Chair. "Not only is it a top-tier destination with a vibrant and diverse LGBT community, but the city also offers exceptional air access for both our North American and global members. This will be a perfect opportunity for Chicago to highlight its amazing offerings to gay and lesbian travelers from around the world."

Mark Theis, executive vice president of the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau; Patrick Steffes, the bureau's manager, tourism sales; and William Greaves, liaison to the LGBT community for the Chicago mayor's office, were on hand to present the successful bid at the IGLTA board meeting in Fort Lauderdale, 21-24 October.

“Chicago, one of the world's leading visitor destinations, is honored to host IGLTA’s 30th Annual Global Convention,” Theis said. “Chicago’s long history of civic support and global diversity, coupled with its communal pride, and reputation as a vibrant metropolitan city will contribute to the perfect backdrop for this internationally recognized gay organization. We look forward to welcoming this prestigious group.”

For more on LGBT Chicago, please visit www.choosechicago.com/insideout/

AVIS Offers Worldwide Discounts to Gay Travelers

Avis recently signed a three-year partnership with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association that provides gay travelers with discounted car rentals. The Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number B450300 provides savings of up to 25 percent on global rentals.

"Avis leads the industry in its commitment to the gay and lesbian community," says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. "We encourage all travelers to use the discount booking code to get the best rates and reciprocate Avis's show of support."

Additional deals can be found on the Avis website at www.avis.com/iglta.

IGLTA announces new board of directors

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, which now has more than 2,000 members in 81 countries, introduced its newly elected board of directors in Antwerp, Belgium, during its largest global convention in Europe to date. More than 250 participants from 25 countries were on hand to greet the new board, which then met to select officers for the next year.

IGLTA's board determines the direction and long-term strategic goals for the travel association, which is the leading global organization in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) tourism industry. The association has more than doubled its membership in the past five years, a testament to the widespread interest in this burgeoning market segment.

For the first time since 1995, IGLTA has a lesbian at the helm: Tanya Churchmuch, the manager of international media relations for Tourisme Montréal and founder of the lesbian travel website Girlports, will serve as Board Chair.

Joining Churchmuch on the board are: Vice-Chair Theresa Belpulsi (Destination DC); Treasurer George Carrancho (American Airlines); Secretary Cordey Lash (Hilton Anatole Hotel, Dallas); Past Chair Bryan Herb (Zoom Vacations, Chicago); Mya Lake Reyes (Las Vegas CVA); Steve Smith (Key West Business Guild); and first-time board members Jeff Guaracino (Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation) and Darren Cooper (Out Now Consulting/Beige Magazine-UK).

IGLTA celebrates leaders in LGBT travel

The annual global convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is not only the gay travel industry's premier networking event, but also an opportunity to salute individuals and companies that have helped to make the world a more welcoming place for LGBT travelers. At this year's event, 23-27 June, in Antwerp, IGLTA will hold two awards presentations, honoring both longtime travel contributions and new concepts that are putting gay travel on the map.

More after the jump.

IGLTA's gala dinner (25 June) features the presentation of two established awards, chosen by the association's board of directors:

· The Chairman's Award: Jose Sampol, TAM Brazilian Airlines, Director of North American Operations and a dedicated friend to the LGBT travel community

· The Hanns Ebensten Hall of Fame Award: The Spartacus International Gay Guide, which celebrates its 40th anniversary of helping LGBT travelers find their way in 2011

The IGLTA Honors premiere this year (during the 24 June convention luncheon) to recognize leaders in LGBT tourism across a wide range of categories:

· Community: Antwerp's own Patrick Aertsen, the manager of the leading gay club in the Benelux, Red and Blue, and the founder of major LGBT event Navigaytion, a travel agency and other local businesses

· Innovator: Shannon Wentworth, CEO and founding partner of eco-minded lesbian travel company Sweet

· Networking: GNetwork360, the top Latin-American LGBT marketing event, which unites more than 700 attendees in Buenos Aires each year

· Partner: Accor Hotels, an IGLTA Platinum Partner with more than 4,100 hotels in 93 countries and promotion of LGBT travel as a top priority

· Pioneer: Gay business owner Madian Al Jazerah, who established the LGBT-friendly gathering place Books@cafe in Amman, Jordan, despite persecution – and now has six other cafes providing a warm welcome for all

Convention registration is still open. Individual tickets to the gala dinner are US$125 and will go on sale June 1. For more information on IGLTA's convention, which includes admission to the Honors luncheon and gala dinner, and registration, visit www.igltaconvention.org.

Hyatt signs on as top-level partner of IGLTA

Hyatt recently upped its commitment to global gay tourism, becoming a Platinum Level Partner of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. The hotel company is a longtime sponsor of the gay travel association's annual convention, and this new top-tier partnership further demonstrates Hyatt’s dedication to IGLTA and the LGBT community.

"Hyatt values our long tenured partnership with IGLTA and is proud to support its efforts with an increased level of sponsorship in 2010," said Salvador Mendoza, vice president of diversity and inclusion for Hyatt. "We look forward to having the opportunity to connect directly with the LGBT travelers we welcome every day."

IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella said that the agreement clearly sends the message to gay travelers that they can feel comfortable staying in a Hyatt hotel. "Hyatt keeps raising the bar when it comes to support of gay tourism," Tanzella said. "Very few hotel brands have shown this level of commitment."

IGLTA, which has staff and representatives in 17 countries, is the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses in the LGBT tourism industry. The association spans 70+ countries and consists of accommodations, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, destinations, media and other key players in the tourism industry.

Gay travel association to hold Denver reception

IGLTA is pleased to announce its next Membership Networking Reception here in Denver. Being held at the Aloft Hotel Denver Airport, the event will be a great way to network with other professionals in gay tourism, media and business. Come meet an IGLTA staff and board member and learn about the association and enjoy $5 cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres.

Founded in 1983, with 25 founding members, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is today a 1500 plus member strong and growing organization of gay, lesbian and community friendly travel professionals in 65 countries.