FLORIDA’S COASTAL CITY of St. Petersburg hosted a lively discussion on LGBTQ travel trends in May during the annual convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).
The three-day gathering brought together buyers, suppliers and tourism professionals from around the world for networking and education. Top topics included crisis management in tourism—ranging from global security concerns to anti-LGBTQ laws—and the effects of U.S. policy on inbound travel, according to John Tanzella, IGLTA president and CEO.
This year’s program featured prominent travel leaders, including Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, and George Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort. Tourism representatives from destinations as varied as Guam and Monaco attended, and a buyer-supplier marketplace offered opportunities to forge new business relationships. The host hotel was The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, and the gala opening night reception was held at The Dalí Museum and the Mahaffey Theater.
The convention also highlighted St. Petersburg/Clearwater’s welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ visitors, with organized outings showcasing local nightlife, shopping and dining. Attendees learned about the region’s annual St. Pete Pride Fest, held each June, and about the destination organization’s robust LGBTQ travel resources.
The event provided a moment to reflect on IGLTA’s growth and changing role. “IGLTA has expanded its reach on all fronts: we have members in more countries and in more unexpected destinations,” Tanzella said. He noted the group has broadened its focus beyond a strict business-to-business model to include consumer outreach, deeper engagement with mainstream brands and partners, and the creation of the IGLTA Foundation to better serve members and support LGBTQ communities worldwide.
Tanzella also described how member organizations have refined their approach to LGBTQ travelers. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all messaging, many tourism businesses now recognize the diversity within the LGBTQ market and tailor outreach to specific interests and life stages—luxury travelers, couples planning weddings, families, adventure seekers, millennials and transgender travelers, among others.
Overall, the convention underscored the travel industry’s evolving strategies to reach and serve LGBTQ travelers, the importance of crisis preparedness, and the value of collaboration across destinations, suppliers and buyers to support inclusive, safe and appealing travel experiences.