IGLTA and European Travel Commission partner to promote LGBT tourism

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida – In honor of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and European Travel Commission (ETC) announced that both organizations are committed to a world where all travelers feel welcome, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The IGLTA an ETC share in the goal of strengthening the tourism industry at large in celebrating sexual and gender diversity on a global level.

The IGLTA is a member-based global organization dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender tourism, and the ETC association unites 32 European national tourist offices with the aim of promoting Europe as a tourism destination in long-haul markets.

“When you look at the timeline of LGBT-positive legislation and marriage equality, you see the majority of destinations paving the way are European,” says John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. “We want to support our longtime tourism allies, and look forward to working more closely with the ETC in promoting LGBT-welcoming travel to the many diverse and interesting destinations throughout Europe.”

“Europe is a welcoming destination that embraces diversity, and ETC is working closely with its member NTOs to ensure that the European values of equality and tolerance are reflected in our image as a tourism destination,” said Eduardo Santander, Executive Director of ETC. “Our partnership with IGLTA is a pillar in our long-term strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the European tourism sector.”