IGLTA and ASTA expand organizational partnership

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced today an expanded partnership that includes discounted membership rates for businesses that join both organizations.

Both organizations have a long history that spans the globe, with IGLTA members located in more than 80 countries and conducting business in over 100, and ASTA with members in 125 countries.

“We’re very proud of our partnership with ASTA and excited to leverage this relationship to provide more opportunities to our members,” said John Tanzella, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association President/CEO. “ASTA leads the way in education for travel advisors, a key segment of our membership, and we have the resources they need to promote greater understanding of LGBTQ travel among their membership. By sharing information, all of the travelers using ASTA and IGLTA members will benefit.”

“ASTA is pleased to grow the long-standing relationship with our partner IGLTA. The association aligns with our mission to serve as a trusted resource to the travel community from travel advisors to suppliers, and most importantly, the traveling public. Through this partnership, we hope to help our members better serve the LGBTQ traveler and look forward to showcasing that expertise at the upcoming ASTA Global Convention in Washington, D.C. with IGLTA’s presence, ” said Zane Kerby, ASTA’s President and CEO.

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association travel advisor members will receive a discount off ASTA membership. Incentives are available for suppliers as well. All ASTA members will receive an equivalent discount off of IGLTA membership rates with additional discounts available to travel advisors. The organizations also are planning webinars that will share industry knowledge on topics such as ethics for travel advisors and best practices for LGBTQ travel sales.

Meet IGLTA at the ASTA Global Convention, Table #T10, 21-23 August in Washington, D.C. to learn more about this new membership program and becoming a part of the leading global organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ travel. IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella will participate in the 22 August General Session panel “Tourism and Human Rights.”

About IGLTA: The International Gay & Lesbian 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 advance LGBTQ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 80 countries.

About ASTA: ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally based members, it is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. ASTA’s history of travel industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.