The United Nations World Tourism Organization unveiled its first report on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) tourism today during FITUR, Spain’s leading international tourism trade fair. Created in partnership with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, the inaugural 40-page “Global Report on LGBT Tourism” includes case studies and commentaries documenting the economic and social impact of LGBT travel.
In November 2011, IGLTA became the first gay organization accepted as an Affiliate Member of the UNWTO. This project underscores the increased demand among destinations for information on the LGBT market.
“It’s with great excitement that we present this high-profile collaboration,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “This is a major leap forward in our efforts to educate tourism leaders worldwide on the impact of LGBT 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 & Co., 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, 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.”
For information on obtaining a hard copy of the report, please email iglta@iglta.org.
Source – eTravel Blackboard
