【The International LGBTQ Travel Association】 IGLTA holds the most diverse global general meeting in history in Osaka
The International LGBTQ Travel Association Press release: November 8, 2024 IGLTA holds the most diverse global general meeting in history in Osaka LGBTQ tourism professionals from over 50 countries gathered in Osaka.
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International LGBTQ Travel Association) will hold the “IGLTA World General Assembly 2024” from October 23 to 26, 2024, making it the largest convention held outside of North America in IGLTA history. With participants from over 50 countries and territories, the World General Assembly was the most globally diverse in IGLTA’s history and highlighted the Asia-Pacific region as a rapidly growing market for LGBTQ tourism. I am. We would like to thank the Osaka Tourism Bureau as an important partner for the success of this general meeting. [Message from IGLTA Chairman and CEO John Tanzella] It was a very impactful experience to hold our World General Assembly in Osaka. It created new opportunities for members to build meaningful business relationships in Asia and expanded the visibility of LGBTQ tourism in the region. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Osaka Tourism Bureau for their efforts in making this historic event a reality. We would also like to thank Out Asia Travel, represented by IGLTA member Shintaro Koizumi, for their unwavering support over the years. [Message from Hiroshi Mizohata, Chairman of the Osaka Tourism Bureau] I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the successful holding of IGLTA. I am happy and proud to hear that we were able to host the most global and diverse general meeting in IGLTA history. This general meeting was an opportunity to once again demonstrate that Osaka is a city full of diversity. Additionally, at this general meeting, we received the cooperation of Hokkaido, Tokyo, Ishikawa, Gifu, Nara, and Fukuoka, and by hosting pre- and post-FAM trips, we were able to promote Japan as a whole as an LGBTQ -friendly tourist destination. We look forward to meeting everyone who attended the IGLTA World General Assembly and other LGBTQ travelers from all over the world at Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai. Summary of the 2024 World Assembly • Opening Reception: The reception sponsored by the Osaka Tourism Bureau was held at “The Landmark Square Osaka” overlooking Osaka Castle. • Buyer/Supplier Marketplace: Parent company of Travel Weekly UK Jacobs Media The event was co-planned with Yahoo! Japan, and was attended by buying companies with annual sales of 688.5 million US dollars. • IGLTA Foundation Think Tank: Sponsored by Simpleview in collaboration with Google, executives and non-profit decision makers from around the world discussed LGBTQ inclusivity in the workplace from an Asian perspective. • Black Travel Leaders Breakfast: Sponsored by New York Tourism Conventions, this breakfast brings together Black tourism leaders to network. • Fireside Chat: Brian Beall, director of the National Travel and Tourism Bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Hiroshi Mizohata, chairman of the Osaka Tourism Bureau, held a roundtable discussion in commemoration of the “Japan-U.S. Tourism Exchange Year.” • Voyage Fundraiser : Voyage, sponsored by the IGLTA Foundation, was held at Kichijoden, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, and raised over US$80,000 to support the foundation’s activities to promote LGBTQ tourism. • Panel Discussion: In the speaker session on “Exploring Social Inclusion in
Asia-Pacific,” members from Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka from the “Emerging Destinations and Communities Program” with support from the Asian Development Bank took to the stage. We discussed the promotion of sustainable tourism from legal, economic, and human development perspectives.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151376/4/151376-4-b0681dbbae3f589e982204d99bf9e0ef-3900×2192.jpg Participants enjoying a reception held in front of Osaka Castle | Photo by Through The Shutter
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/151376/4/151376-4-1c7be3df72bb3ced0405ca00de0a59b7-3900×2192.png Voyage: “Renjishi” performance at Sumiyoshi Taisha | Photo by Through The Shutter Next year’s IGLTA World Convention will be held in Palm Springs, California from October 21 to 25, 2025. Click here to apply for early bird discount rates. Introduction of sponsor companies Presenting Sponsors: Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, Airbnb, Brand USA, International Experience Canada, Visit Greater Palm Springs. Official Sponsors: American Express Travel, Simpleview, Malta Tourism Authority, Meet Boston, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Destination DC, Embratur – Visit Brasil. Conference Sponsors: The Florida Keys & Key West, Cvent, MGM Resorts, Booking.com, Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, New York City Tourism Conventions, Travel Guard, ProColombia, Discover Puerto Rico, Visit West Hollywood. Breakout Session Sponsor: WeTravel. Community Partner: American Chamber of Commerce Japan (ACCJ), Nijiiro Diversity, with support provided by the U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe. IGLTA (International LGBTQ Travel Association) is a member-led organization that connects the LGBTQ community and the tourism industry by enabling essential travel that enriches lives. Our mission is to connect the LGBTQ community and the tourism industry. IGLTA’s global network includes more than 13,000 accommodations, destinations, services, travel agencies, tour operators and travel media in 80 countries that welcome LGBTQ clients. The IGLTA Foundation also supports LGBTQ travel globally through research and education. Official website: iglta.org , igltaconvention.org ,
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@IGLTAFoundation X: @IGLTA LinkedIn: @IGLTAFoundation Instagram: @IGLTA Osaka Tourism Bureau is a DMO that plays the role of promoting integrated management of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and Sakai City. Taking advantage of Osaka’s vibrant history, culture, and economy, we will promote Osaka as a major business, leisure, and convention destination through a variety of initiatives. The Osaka Tourism Bureau joined IGLTA in October 2018 with the aim of increasing recognition as a tourist destination attractive to LGBTQ travelers. LGBT training for Tourism Bureau staff, LGBTQ FAM trip, Japan’s first comprehensive information English site for LGBTQ travelers led by the Tourism Bureau ” VISIT GAY OSAKA We will actively work to create a foundation for LGBTQ tourism, such as by opening “