The IGLTA Global Convention in Milan Breaks Records

LGBTQ+ tourism thought leaders gather in Italy for the IGLTA Global Convention, and it was the travel organization’s largest convention outside of the U.S. in the association’s history.

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s 38th Global Convention, 26-29 October at the UNAHotels Expo Fiera Milano, was IGLTA’s largest convention outside of the United States to date, with 550 delegates representing 39 countries and territories from around the world. The convention, the premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ+ tourism, the was association’s first European convention since Madrid in 2014. The event was originally set for 2020 but had to be rescheduled due to the pandemic, making it a cause for greater celebration.

Given the current political climate for LGBTQ+ issues, this year’s convention became even more important, strengthening ties between the global LGBTQ+ tourism community and the business community of Italy. 

“As we continue to see increasing opposition toward LGBTQ+ communities globally, IGLTA’s convention—built around business networking, education, and inclusivity—could not be more critical,” said John Tanzella, president and CEO of IGLTA. “The incredible outpouring of support for this year’s convention further strengthens our ability to elevate LGBTQ+ voices in the tourism industry and to continue working to ensure LGBTQ+ travelers have access to safe and welcoming experiences as they explore the world.”

Some of the highlights from the Convention include: 

• The Opening Reception was held at Sforzesco Castle, where guests had the opportunity to visit the Rondanini Pietà, the last work by Michelangelo.

• IGLTA’s Buyer/Supplier Marketplace was the most successful to date, generating 1,330 appointments with buyers that conduct over $100 million in LGBTQ+ business annually.

• The IGLTA Foundation Think Tank united global tourism leaders to discuss how the tourism industry can support LGBTQ+ travel in emerging markets facing cultural, governmental, or infrastructure challenges.

• The Main Stage programming ranged from discussions of responsible tourism strategies and future LGBTQ+ marketing trends to meaningful conversations about transgender and nonbinary inclusion in hospitality and intersectionality within the queer travel community. 

• Voyage, the IGLTA Foundation Fundraiser, drew a sold-out crowd of 250 attendees and raised over $50,000 for IGLTA Foundation initiatives. 

IGLTA’s 40th Anniversary Global Convention is set for 20-23 September 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. More information and early registration for next year’s convention can be found here. 

The IGLTA Global Convention was possible thanks to the generous support of convention sponsors. Institutional Presenting: Italian National Tourist Board; Comune di Milano; YesMilano; AITGL. Presenting Level: Discover Puerto Rico; International Experience Canada/Government of Canada; Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau; Tourist Board of Spain – Turespaña; Visit València; Sevilla City Office. Official Level: American Express Travel; Booking.com; CAP Travel Assistance by FocusPoint International; Delta Air Lines; Hilton; Visit Lauderdale; IMG; Israel Ministry of Tourism; The Florida Keys & Key West; Malta Tourism Authority; ProColombia; Simpleview; Starhotels; Toscana Promozione Turistica; The TreadRight Foundation; Visit Philadelphia; Visit West Hollywood. Conference Level: AIG; Cvent; Fidenza Village; Google; PROMPERU; Tourism Seychelles; SXM Media; Visit Greater Palm Springs. Breakout Session Sponsors: Puerto Vallarta; WeTravel. Community Partners: Allumeuse; Arcigay; Bocconi University; Community Marketing & Insights; EDGE: LGBTI+ Leaders for Change; Mantra Communications; myGwork; NEBE; Parks – Liberi e Uguali; Pink Media; Sonders and Beach; SEA Milan Airports; World Food Travel Association.

About IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. The IGLTA global network includes 12,000 LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80+ countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research, and education. 

For more information: iglta.org, igltaconvention.org, or iglta.org/foundation. You can also follow IGLTA on Facebook @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness or @IGLTAFoundation, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @iglta.