UNWTO unveiled its first report on LGBTQ+ tourism on 19 January, 2012 during FITUR, Spain’s leading international tourism trade fair. Created in partnership with the IGLTA, the inaugural 40-page “Global Report on LGBT Tourism” includes case studies and commentaries documenting the economic and social impact of LGBTQ+ travel.
The report includes articles on global tourism from the UNWTO and IGLTA as well as contributions from IGLTA members, such as Tourism Spain, Embratur (Brazil), South African Tourism, Cape Town Tourism, Argentina’s National Institute of Tourism, Tourism Montreal, NYC & Company, Witeck Communications, Sweet, and American Airlines. IGLTA’s ambassadors to South Korea and India also provided commentary.
"This report demonstrates the clear relationship between countries’ progressive policies toward LGBT people and the economic benefits for their tourism sector,” said Javier Blanco, Former Director, UNWTO Affiliate Members. “Social benefits are becoming clearer too as more destinations are benefitting from the associated brand image of tolerance, inclusiveness, and diversity."