A Convention Message from Our CEO

To Our Friends in Tourism:

We need your presence and engagement at the IGLTA Annual Global Convention more than ever. After all of the global gains we've made for LGBTQ equality in recent years, we're seeing firsthand that shifts in government can change things overnight. IGLTA is committed to promoting safe and welcoming travel through our incredible network of member businesses. We will never support travel bans or boycotts, and stand with the companies that oppose these restrictive measures.

That is why it is essential for all of us, allies in welcoming tourism, to unite in St. Petersburg, Florida,4-6 May, for IGLTA's 34th Annual Global Convention. We need to network, share knowledge and plan for the successful future of our LGBTQ travel community.

Roger Dow, President/CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, will be on hand to address the United States tourism market and the impact of the recent U.S. travel ban as well as the anti-LGBTQ laws that have discouraged travel to some U.S. states. Our CEO Panel includes Peter De Wilde, President of the European Travel Commission; Brian King, Global Officer, Digital, Distribution, Revenue Management & Global Sales, Marriott International; and Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Orlando City Council, a first responder to the Pulse nightclub attack. These thought leaders will discuss crisis management and how tourism businesses can move forward in the wake of terrorist attacks and threats to human rights.

The not-yet-released 2nd Global Report on LGBT Tourism, a collaborative effort of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and IGLTA, will be available to all conference attendees.

Full details on the three-day event can be found at iglta.org/convention. Please join us in St. Pete, where together we can make a difference in the landscape of LGBTQ tourism.

Yours in travel,

John Tanzella

IGLTA President/CEO