On Location IGLTA Annual Convention: Preview

Gay and lesbian travellers—book them into your beds and reap the benefits

Let's Be In On This Week's Events

If there has been one consumer market segment that has faced down the challenge of volatile economic circumstances over the past year, it is the gay and lesbian market.  Over the past eighteen months, the little darlings of airline, hotel, tour operator, and restaurant accounting departments everywhere demonstrated their resilience while other consumers recoiled, especially with regard to travel. 

As is that of the market it serves, IGLTA's members' orientation is not always readily apparent.  The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the world's leading alliance of travel-industry businesses and organisations focusing on gay and lesbian travellers, long acknowledged as one of the most profitable segments of the travelling public.  Begun in 1983 with a mere 25 members, IGLTA today counts more than 1,500 members in 65 countries.  Its annual convention is the largest gathering of gay and lesbian travel entities in the world; this year's event is being held in Antwerp, Belgium. Ranging from small, gay-owned and -operated bed and breakfast properties to airline behemoths, the businesses and organisations belonging to the Association cover every aspect of the travel and tourism industry; tourism offices, advisory boards, media outlets, and other voices wanting to be heard among the crowd vying for the attention of LGBT travellers are all part of the organisation.