The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) has joined up with WTM Africa 2021 to present a new LGBTQ+ travel event called EQUAL Africa. EQUAL Africa stands for EQUAL Love, Rights, Experiences & Opportunities. It will feature three virtual panel discussions and presentations which will bring together global industry experts and thought leaders to share their insights on how best to cater for the LGBTQ+ market.
Topics that will be addressed include: pandemic recovery strategies, new LGBTQ+ offerings, the benefits of supporting LGBTQ+ travellers and the local LGBTQ+ community, an LGBTQ+ Travel Data forecast, and case studies.
“Pink travel is on the rise globally, and facilitating safe, comfortable travel for LGBTQ+ travellers to Africa’s wonderful destinations is the focus of EQUAL Africa in partnership with IGLTA.”
“For our EQUAL Africa in partnership with IGLTA programme, we are thrilled to have speakers of the calibre of Tyronne Stoudemire, Hyatt Hotels Corporation Global VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel, Inc., and Tom Roth and David Paisley of Community Marketing & Insights joining us to unpack strategies, trends and practical insights on the LGBTQ+ travel community,” says Martin Hiller, Reed Exhibitions South Africa Creative & Content Director: Travel, Tourism & Creative Industries.
“Our partnership with IGLTA is another way that WTM Africa continues to track the latest international travel & tourism industry trends. Pink travel is on the rise globally, and facilitating safe, comfortable travel for LGBTQ+ travellers to Africa’s wonderful destinations is the focus of EQUAL Africa in partnership with IGLTA,” he adds.
IGLTA provides information and resources for LGBTQ+ travellers and demonstrates the significant social and economic impact they offer.
IGLTA is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel. It provides information and resources for LGBTQ+ travellers and demonstrates the significant social and economic impact they offer. Its membership includes LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, travel advisors, tour operators, events and travel media in 80 countries.
John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO, says, “We truly appreciate the partnership with Africa Travel Week and the opportunity to curate LGBTQ+ travel content under the EQUAL Africa banner. It’s given us the opportunity to create year-round visibility and resources to support LGBTQ+ travel and champion the need for diversity, equity and inclusion in the African tourism industry and around the world. ATW Virtual unites an incredible group of IGLTA members to share DEI strategies and LGBTQ+ marketing best practices to help our industry rebuild in a more open and inclusive way.”
Africa Travel Week (ATW) will run from 7 to 9 April 2021, and is headlined by WTM Africa and ILTM Africa. You can register to attend ATW here. To book your spot at EQUAL Africa and any of the other over 40 sessions, go to the event programme here and click on the “Add to my Plan” to select your preferences.
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