This October, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) celebrated its 40th year with a whirlwind anniversary convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event was hosted in partnership with Discover Puerto Rico and was the organization’s largest to date with over 715 attendees from around the world. Throughout the week, participants took advantage of opportunities to learn, connect and celebrate the fabulous world of LGBTQ+ tourism through an exciting blend of main-stage sessions, media and supplier expos and thrilling receptions that kept the party going.
From travel advisors and suppliers to buyers and the media, the IGLTA 40th Global Convention attracted a wide variety of attendees allowing guests to forge connections with professionals across the industry. However, with some people attending five, 10 and even up to 19 IGLTA conventions throughout the years, the bonds formed at IGLTA often go beyond professional networking opportunities. In fact, upon being asked what keeps them coming back year after year, a majority of attendees cited the friendships and community they’ve built through attending this special event as the number one thing that keeps them wanting more.
A photo op at the IGLTA 40th Anniversary Global Convention (Photo by Jenna Buege)
IGLTA recognizes that traveling can be challenging for LGBTQ+ people. At the event’s opening session, Brian King, president of Marriott International’s Caribbean and Latin America region, shared that safety, belonging and acceptance are often at the core of LGBTQ+ travelers’ decision-making process. King also noted that “Pride is not a day of the month, it is a peaceful state of being,” a sentiment echoed by several panelists who stressed the importance of authenticity in the travel space, especially in marketing.
Of course, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in places around the world, including some U.S. states that make for popular travel spots was a hot topic. And while boycotting these destinations might seem like a no-brainer, IGLTA President and CEO, John Tanzella had one key message: “Don’t limit your world.” Instead, Tanzella encouraged travelers to support tourism in those destinations through volunteering and patronizing local businesses and non-profits saying, “LGBTQ communities (in these destinations) need support.” Tanzella also encouraged attendees to “be authentic” and “get involved,” and, when searching for LGBTQ+-friendly lodging, to look for hotels with IGLTA accreditation.
The IGLTA opening reception at Distrito T-Mobile (Photo by Jenna Buege)
As the beautiful backdrop to this historic event, attendees were eager to get out and explore colorful San Juan. Luckily, IGLTA and Discover Puerto Rico made it easy with nightly receptions at exciting venues like La Factoria — Puerto Rico’s most famous bar —, Distrito T-Mobile — a one-of-a-kind open-air venue — and Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. And, for an additional fee, participants were able to attend B.O.N Voyage, the IGLTA Foundation fundraiser which took place at Hacienda del Campo and featured entertainment from RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner Monét X Change.
Interested in attending an IGLTA convention in the future? The company revealed Osaka and Palm Springs as the host destinations for 2024 and 2025, respectively. To secure your spot for the 2024 convention in Osaka click here.
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