IGLTA: Elevating LGBTQ+ Tourism

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) is dedicated to promoting and supporting LGBTQ+ tourism on a global scale. Founded in 1983, our primary aim is to elevate LGBTQ+ travel by providing essential education, resources, and networking opportunities. I have long believed that LGBTQ+ tourism is of great importance, representing a significant opportunity for the travel industry. We need to ensure that LGBTQ+ travelers have safe, welcoming, and enriching experiences, no matter where they choose to explore.

Our objectives focus on several key areas. First, we promote best practices for welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers. Education is a major part of our work. We also connect tourism professionals with our members that offer training and resources to better serve LGBTQ+ clients. Networking is essential; we connect LGBTQ+ travelers with welcoming businesses and organizations around the world, and create platforms for B2B relationships to thrive. Additionally, we research through the IGLTA Foundation to understand trends and needs within the LGBTQ+ tourism market and share these findings with the industry.

The IGLTA Team: Dedicated to Inclusivity

The IGLTA team is composed of a passionate group of professionals from diverse backgrounds, all committed to advancing LGBTQ+ tourism. We have regional directors in various parts of the world who help us connect with local businesses and promote LGBTQ+ tourism in those markets. Their insights are invaluable as they understand regional nuances and facilitate partnerships.

Our team also develops and implements educational programs, symposiums, and workshops. Their work ensures that tourism professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to serve LGBTQ+ travelers effectively.

Our marketing and communications team plays a key role in promoting IGLTA’s initiatives. They manage outreach efforts, social media campaigns, and collaborations with other organizations, raising awareness of LGBTQ+ tourism and the resources we provide. Meanwhile, our membership services team supports our members by helping businesses connect with the LGBTQ+ community, providing resources for improving inclusivity practices and facilitating networking opportunities.

IGLTA’s influence is felt across continents. We advocate for LGBTQ+ equality in the travel sector and help shape a more inclusive industry. By collaborating with various stakeholders—government agencies, tourism boards, and LGBTQ+ organizations—we create a supportive ecosystem for LGBTQ+ travelers. Through our comprehensive approach to education and networking, we’re making significant strides in promoting LGBTQ+ tourism, and building a travel landscape where everyone can explore the world with confidence and pride.

The Growing Market and Fostering Welcoming Experiences in LGBTQ+ Tourism

The LGBTQ+ tourism market is vast and diverse, attracting travelers from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. To effectively serve this clientele, it is essential to educate and train tourism professionals. Many travel operators are already facilitating group travel to various destinations, and it is crucial to leverage this existing interest while expanding outreach efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ travelers have positive experiences wherever they go.

Our foundation is built upon three key pillars: research, education, and leadership. Through discussions and symposiums, we strive to enlighten the travel industry on best practices for serving LGBTQ+ travelers, fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and appreciated.

A critical aspect of our mission is assisting businesses in recognizing the presence of LGBTQ+ travelers and ensuring they provide an inclusive atmosphere. Numerous hotels and resorts worldwide have shown exceptional commitment to welcoming the LGBTQ+ community, setting standards for others to emulate. Travel suppliers need to understand how to effectively cater to these clients.

In addition to face-to-face education, we offer online programs that highlight various destinations, businesses, and events. We also offer an online buyer/supplier marketplace, IGLTAgo, to facilitate connections between travel companies and agents globally, enabling them to market their offerings to a broader audience. We also implement discounted rates in emerging destinations to encourage more businesses to join our association and engage with this vibrant community.

IGLTA Osaka 2024

The 2024 IGLTA Global Convention in Osaka marks a significant milestone for our organization. For the past 41 years, IGLTA has never hosted a global convention in Asia despite holding numerous symposiums throughout the region, particularly in Japan. With the rising interest in LGBTQ+ tourism across Asia, the timing is ideal for this landmark event.

Osaka has been a steadfast ally of IGLTA, consistently attending our conventions and promoting itself as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city’s enthusiasm and commitment to inclusivity strongly influenced our decision to select Osaka as the host city. Their tourism office presented an impressive pitch, highlighting the city’s welcoming culture and unique opportunities for LGBTQ+ visitors.

Day1 at the 2024 IGLTA Global Convention in Osaka

Hosting the convention in Osaka will significantly enhance the visibility of LGBTQ+ tourism in Japan and provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the distinct challenges and opportunities within the Asian market. Our focus will be on educating both established and emerging markets about effectively catering to LGBTQ+ travelers, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued.
Furthermore, the convention coincided with Osaka Pride, allowing attendees to participate in local pride celebrations and deepen their connection to the culture and community. This event goes beyond business; it aims to build relationships and foster understanding in a region where LGBTQ+ tourism is still evolving.

The IGLTA 2024 Global Convention in Osaka reflects our commitment to inclusivity and our desire to support the growth of LGBTQ+ tourism in Asia. I am eager to see how this convention inspires positive change and lasting connections within the industry.

Reflecting on my experiences, I can confidently say the convention has achieved record international representation, welcoming more globally diverse attendees than ever before in our history. Many participants arrived early to explore Japan or plan to extend their stay after the convention. Japan offers many experiences, drawing travelers to focus their adventures here instead of venturing to other Asian countries.

While the LGBTQ+ community in Japan may sometimes seem hesitant regarding LGBTQ+ issues, this is not out of dislike; it stems from uncertainty about how to engage. The warmth and politeness characteristic of Japanese culture make locals receptive to LGBTQ+ travelers.

Challenges, Connections, and Future Aspirations in LGBTQ+ Tourism

One of the ongoing challenges we face is the need to enhance education about LGBTQ+ tourism in markets like Japan, where understanding is still developing. This issue is not unique to Japan; many countries grapple with similar challenges. Over the past few years, we have conducted several symposiums in Japan, but I believe there is a significant opportunity to expand these efforts to other countries in Asia as well.

Our symposiums have facilitated enriching conversations about LGBTQ+ life across different regions. We are continually exploring ways to assist LGBTQ+ travel professionals in countries where being openly LGBTQ+ can be particularly challenging. For example, we have supported members in Sri Lanka who encountered difficulties finding web designers willing to feature LGBTQ+ couples on their websites.

I remain optimistic about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Japan and around the world. We are all in this together, and I firmly believe in the power of connection and education to drive meaningful change. Looking ahead, our goal is to expand our annual symposiums, which currently include New Delhi, India, and a presence at EQUAL Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, continually reaching out to a broader audience. This “roadshow” concept will promote a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ tourism and foster collaboration among businesses.

2025 IGLTA Global Convention | Palm Springs, CA

Several countries have emerged as leaders in creating welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ travelers, including Spain, Australia, Canada, South Africa, parts of the United States, Sweden, and Mexico. In Asia, Japan and Thailand have been recognized as friendly destinations for the LGBTQ+ community. The complexities of LGBTQ+ tourism vary significantly between urban and rural areas within each country. Our mission is to bridge these gaps, ensuring that LGBTQ+ travelers have safe and enriching experiences wherever they go.

I am excited about the potential we have to transform the landscape of LGBTQ+ tourism globally. By building connections and fostering understanding, we can create an inclusive environment that benefits everyone. The future holds great promise for LGBTQ+ travelers, and I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to turn these visions into reality.Next year, we will be holding the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention in Palm Springs, California. We look forward to your participation!

May 2024, Interviewed at,Interview and editing by: DK Sugiyama
Project Manager/ Photography: Chiho Ando