International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Joins the Miles of Love LGBTQ Travel Advocacy Forum in Hong Kong

HONG KONG (25 October 2018)—From 2-5 November, LGBTQ activists and travel industry representatives will convene for a groundbreaking travel advocacy event in Hong Kong, host destination for the Gay Games in 2022. IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella and IGLTA Board Member Shiho Ikeuchi are among the 30 diverse speakers from 15 countries that will address the Miles of Love conference attendees at the Eaton Hotel.

Set to coincide with Hong Kong’s annual Pink Season LGBTQ festival, Miles of Love will explore how the travel industry can work with LGBTQ communities and activists globally to bridge the gap between human rights and travel. Planet Ally and All Out are hosting the event.

“IGLTA is proud to support Miles of Love, “ said John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO, who will deliver a keynote address at the conference and host a business networking session for local tourism professionals on the last day. “We are dedicated to strengthening ties in the region and sharing our resources to help create greater understanding of the LGBTQ travel community. At Miles of Love, I’ll focus on the work of our philanthropic IGLTA Foundation and the ways in which it supports LGBTQ-owned businesses in emerging destinations and industry education.”

Plenary sessions will feature Asia-based travel industry representatives outlining their work to create more inclusive businesses and LGBTQ activists from Asia and the Middle East assessing tourism’s impact on the road to equality. Also in the speaker lineup are: Fern Ngai, CEO, Community Business; Kimahli Powell, Director, Rainbow Railroad; Marissa Howarth, Consul, Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong; and queer/women’s rights activists Pussy Riot. Cambodia’s first gay dance company, Prumsodun Ok & NATYARASA, will perform at the opening reception.

“The conversations that will happen at Miles of Love are long overdue,” said Bess Hepworth, founder of Planet Ally and lead organizer of the conference, which also includes LGBTQ training sessions for businesses. “I believe that this dialogue will be a key driver in opening new collaborations that will drive both business success and the achievement of safety and dignity for LGBTQ people.”

For complete Miles of Love details, please visit: www.planetally.org/miles-of-love/

*IGLTA Networking Event

• When: 7-9pm, 5 November
• Where: Eaton Hotel, 380 Nathan Rd, Kowloon, Hong Kong
• Complimentary tickets available via Eventbrite link here.