It is clear that attitudes toward gay people are changing around the globe, and while there are still challenges ahead, there is also a slew of good news for LGBTQ travelers.
One of those pieces is a new partnership between the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).
L.A. will now be an IGLTA global partner, meaning that the city is strengthening its commitment to LGBTQ travelers and will provide year-round support for IGLTA, a member-based organization for LGBTQ hospitality and tourism.
"Los Angeles has a distinction worldwide of being a city that fully embraces diversity, inclusivity and acceptance and L.A. Tourism has long recognized the importance of serving LGBTQ travelers," said Don Skeoch, chief marketing officer of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
For a city that is gay-friendly, the new partnership is an obvious step in the right direction when it comes to creating deeper engagement with the LGBTQ community.
"We are proud to partner with IGLTA to elevate our dedicated efforts in promoting Los Angeles as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the world," added Sketch.
IGLTA itself was proud to welcome L.A. into the fold.
"Partnering with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a very significant development, as we both have a long, noteworthy history in the LGBTQ community," said IGLTA president and CEO John Tanzella.
Tanzella also noted that, together, the destination and IGLTA can make L.A. even more welcoming to the gay community: "With this partnership, we are positioned to better promote this popular, diverse destination, from its film industry to the beautiful beach communities, from its outdoor activities to shopping, the arts, and world-class dining."
The partnership creates a variety of marketing opportunities between the two organizations, including promotion of Los Angeles on the IGLTA website and at the IGLTA Annual Global Convention. It also means participation in LGBTQ market research programs.
The new relationship demonstrates the influence LGBTQ travel has in the industry. Global partnerships are a new, powerful tool for the IGLTA, and membership continues to grow.
"We signed our first global partnership with a national tourism board this year: Italy. In September, I traveled to Slovenia for the first time to discuss LGBTQ tourism with government and industry leaders in Ljubljana," Tanzella told TravelPulse earlier this year.
To find out more about IGLTA, information on LGBTQ travel and more, visit the organization's website. The IGLTA has many face-to-face events, including its annual global convention taking place in Toronto, May 9-12, 2018.
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