WHY IT RATES: Getting 32 European national tourist offices on board to work with the IGLTA is significant no matter how you slice it. Well done. - Rich Thomaselli, TravelPulse Senior Editor
PHOTO: A side street in Italy. Europe wants to be known as a welcoming destination for the LGBT community. (Courtesy Thinkstock)
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, the leading member-based global organization dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tourism, announced its organizational partnership with the European Travel Commission, an association uniting 32 European national tourist offices with the aim of promoting Europe as a tourism destination in long-haul markets.
The announcement was timed in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, a global celebration of sexual and gender diversity. IGLTA and ETC are committed to a world where all travelers feel welcome, regardless of their orientation or gender identity and share in the goal of strengthening the tourism industry at large.
SEE MORE: About IGLTA
"When you look at the timeline of LGBT-positive legislation and marriage equality, you see the majority of destinations paving the way are European," says John Tanzella, IGLTA president/CEO. "We want to support our longtime tourism allies, and look forward to working more closely with the ETC in promoting LGBT-welcoming travel to the many diverse and interesting destinations throughout Europe."
"Europe is a welcoming destination that embraces diversity, and ETC is working closely with its member NTOs to ensure that the European values of equality and tolerance are reflected in our image as a tourism destination," said Eduardo Santander, executive director of ETC. "Our partnership with IGLTA is a pillar in our long-term strategy to enhance the competitiveness of the European tourism sector."
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