The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association ( IGLTA), the leading member-based global organisation dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tourism, announced on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) (May 17th 2016) its organisational partnership with the European Travel Commission, an association uniting 32 European national tourist offices with the aim of promoting Europe as an tourism destination in long-haul markets.

IGLTA

The announcement was timed in honour 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 travellers feel welcome, regardless of their orientation or gender identity and share in the goal of strengthening the tourism industry at large.

“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.”

For more information on IDAHOT, visit dayagainsthomophobia.org.

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