The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) wrapped up its largest convention in its 40-year history with over 700 attendees from 36 countries and territories. The IGLTA Global Convention’s return to the Caribbean for the first time since 1985 was nothing short of historic. The event was a testament to the growing importance of LGBTQ+ tourism in the Caribbean, and it was a chance for attendees to learn about the latest trends in the industry and network with professionals from around the globe.
Discover Puerto Rico was a key partner in the success of the 40th Anniversary Global Convention. Their generous support and expertise helped create a truly memorable event for our attendees.
“IGLTA’s 40th Anniversary Global Convention was a resounding success, and a showcase for the resilience, creativity and diversity of the LGBTQ+ travel community,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella (he/him). “We could not be more proud of our return to the Caribbean to celebrate the importance of global LGBTQ+ travel and tourism.”
“Discover Puerto Rico alongside our on-Island partners were honored to host the prestigious IGLTA convention here on our beautiful Island. Inclusivity has been a strategic pillar of our DMO since its inception in 2018, and celebrating IGLTA’s 40th anniversary convention in Puerto Rico is a testament to our values in action. The team at Discover Puerto Rico has worked for more than two years to bring this extraordinary event to life, and we are thrilled to have helped IGLTA surpass record attendance at this year’s conference,” said Leah Chandler (she/her), Discover Puerto Rico’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Convention Highlights:
- The Opening Reception held at the T-Mobile DISTRITO and hosted by Discover Puerto Rico.
- IGLTA’s Buyer/Supplier Marketplace presented with the support of Experience Kissimmee, Visit Miami, Visit Orlando and Visit Tampa Bay included buyers representing US$686.5 million in annual business, a 65 percent increase over 2022.
- IGLTA Foundation Think Tank at Casa Bacardí, where global C-Suite thought leaders discussed the future of LGBTQ+ travel and hospitality in the Caribbean.
- Women in Leadership Networking Reception: Prior to the Opening Reception, the women and nonbinary attendees of the convention gathered for their largest event yet to network and connect, hosted by Booking.com.
- IGLTA Foundation’s Voyage Fundraiser raised over US$100,000 to support the foundation’s work in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusive travel. The funds will be used to support research, education, and leadership initiatives.
- The IGLTA Pride Party celebrated the LGBTQ+ community in our host destination, with proceeds from the event supporting the 2023 Pathfinder Award recipients, True Self Foundation and Waves Ahead Corp Puerto Rico.
IGLTA’s 2024 Convention is set for 23-26 October in Osaka, Japan! Click here to secure your early discounted convention rate. Our convention will be followed by Osaka Pride, 26-27 October to enhance the LGBTQ+ travel experience.
The IGLTA 40th Anniversary Global Convention would not be possible without the generous support of our convention sponsors.
Presenting Sponsors: Booking.com; Discover Puerto Rico; International Experience Canada; Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau. Official Sponsors: Airbnb; American Express Travel; Experience Kissimmee; IMG – Travel Insurance; Malta Tourism Authority; Simpleview; Visit Lauderdale; Visit Miami, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay. Conference Sponsors: AIG Travel; International LifeLine; JetBlue; Marriott Bonvoy; Mato Grosso do Sul; MISTR; ProColombia; Royal Caribbean International; Spanish Tourism Institute (TURESPAÑA); The Florida Keys & Key West; Tripadvisor; Tryst Hotel; Visit Greater Palm Springs. Breakout Session Sponsors: Airbnb; Puerto Vallarta; Wetravel. Community Partners: EPOA – European Pride Organisers Association; LGBT+ Turismo Expo; myGwork; OutCoast; Pink Media; Universidad del Sagrado Corazón; World Food Travel Association.
About IGLTA & 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. IGLTA’s global network includes 13,000+ 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 and follow us on Facebook @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness or @IGLTAFoundation, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @iglta.
About Discover Puerto Rico
Discover Puerto Rico is a private, not-for-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) whose mission is to make Puerto Rico visible to the world as a premier travel destination. The DMO brings prosperity to the people of Puerto Rico by collaboratively promoting the Island’s diversity and uniqueness for leisure and business travel, and events. It is responsible for all global marketing, sales, and promotion of the destination and works collaboratively with key local governmental and non-governmental players throughout Puerto Rico’s visitor economy and the community at large, to empower economic growth. To discover all the beauty the Island has to offer, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.