IGLTA Foundation: Expanding LGBTQ+ Tourism Growth in India
Looking to the future of LGBTQ+ tourism in India, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation (IGLTA Foundation) is moving forward with its India Initiative. The recent LGBTQ+ Tourism Symposium held in New Delhi, India on 2 February was a key milestone for this initiative, bringing together a range of industry professionals to discuss topics such as "Best Practices for LGBTQ+ Tourism" and "Creating Inclusive Spaces in India." IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella believes that initiatives like this can increase understanding of global LGBTQ+ tourism and promote its growth in emerging destinations such as India.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the global LGBTQ+ travel community, the IGLTA Foundation has appointed Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, as the committee chair of the India Initiative. Suri's role is critical, given his long-standing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in India, including his work with the Keshav Suri Foundation, which focuses on empowering marginalized communities and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. With Suri at the helm, the India Initiative will continue to push for progress in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ travelers while promoting growth for this sector in India’s inbound and outbound tourism markets.
In addition to the symposium, IGLTA is taking concrete steps toward promoting LGBTQ+ tourism in India. The organization is actively seeking to hire a membership development manager based in India, to help support its ongoing efforts in the region.
To further solidify its presence in the region, IGLTA is also seeking to hire two LGBTQ+ interns from India to assist with the India Initiative. The organization is determined to work with individuals and organizations who represent the communities it serves, and who possess the local expertise and cultural knowledge necessary to promote LGBTQ+ tourism effectively in the region. By engaging local talent and fostering relationships with local communities, the IGLTA Foundation hopes to promote greater inclusivity and understanding of LGBTQ+ travel in India.
If you are interested in learning more about the IGLTA Foundation's India Initiative and supporting LGBTQ+ tourism in India, please click here.