IGLTA Global Convention Set for Milan 26-29 October 2022

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International LGBTQ+ Travel Association will return to Europe with its premier event; discounted early registration offer is now live

MILAN (7 October 2021)—The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association will bring its 38th Annual Global Convention to Milan, 26-29 October 2022. The convention, the premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ+ tourism, will be the 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.

“We’re excited to finally be able to celebrate our long, successful partnership with Italy, and showcase Milan, the country’s most cosmopolitan LGBTQ+ welcoming city,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “While the postponements were disappointing, the conference that will unfold will be even more meaningful for the destination and our membership. The convention will focus on inclusive business strategies and networking opportunities to support our industry’s future success.”

IGLTA’s Italy plans have been in the works for three years in collaboration with ENIT (Italian National Tourist Board) and the City of Milan, and will take place at UNAHOTELS Expo Fiera Milano. The Global Convention will include a Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, in partnership with the UK’s Jacobs Media Group, that features one-to-one appointments, as well as educational sessions and other networking events.

“We have never wavered in our commitment to bringing IGLTA to Milan,” said Maria Elena Rossi, Marketing and Promotion Director of ENIT. "In 2022, IGLTA attendees will discover more innovation in our tourism offerings and a greater emphasis on quality experiences that unite Milan and the surrounding area. Through collaboration with their network of tourism professionals and thought leaders we can be sure of a successful event.”

“The City of Milano is looking forward to welcoming IGLTA,” said Luca Martinazzoli, General Manager, Milano&Partners. “It will be a unique opportunity to welcome the LGBTQ+ community, a driving and positive force in the tourism industry. Milano will showcase its inclusive attitude, leveraging the local community to make every moment of IGLTA a unique Milanese experience.”

"This convention in Italy will be key to moving forward with a new world of post-pandemic travel,” said Alessio Virgili, President of AITGL. “Promoting LGBTQ+ travel and hosting this event is a unique business and educational opportunity for Italy and our local travel industry. The country receives 2.7 billion euros from LGBTQ+ travel, and we are proud that the IGLTA event will give our businesses the tools to best welcome them, so we can continue to grow this market in Milan and throughout Italy. "

Since 1983, IGLTA's Global Convention has been on the must-attend list for travel brands interested in the LGBTQ+ market. The association recently hosted a successful in-person convention with enhanced safety and health protocols for the first time since the pandemic began. The IGLTA Global Convention provides significant visibility for the host city with LGBTQ+ tourism professionals from all over the world, including travel advisors, tour operators, influencers, and representatives from hotels and destinations.

Special Promotion: Reserve a spot for Milan with just a US$100 refundable deposit and receive the following benefits:

• Secure the discounted early convention rate until 30 June 2022
• Lock in 20% off supplier marketplace registration or get a free 2nd marketplace participant
• Ensure first access for opportunities where participation has limited capacity when full Milan registration opens

For more information, please visit igltaconvention.org.

About IGLTA

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 membership includes LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 80 countries. In 2012, the philanthropic IGLTA Foundation was launched to support the mission of the association and its membership through education, research and leadership development. For more information: iglta.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.