Cape Town ( 25 April 2016 )The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's 33rd Annual Global Convention, held 14-16 April in Cape Town, was not only the first LGBT tourism conference on the African continent, but also the association's largest event outside of North America. More than 300 delegates from 26 countries participated over the three-day event at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.
In his keynote welcome South African Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom said, "We want you here to be a light to the millions of LGBT people in our country, so that wherever they are, they might know that they are not alone — that they are quite normal and that they should live their lives unafraid. For that is the kind of country we are trying to build."
The emotionally charged speech set the tone for the days to come, which included Trevor Tutu accepting an award from IGLTA's board chair on behalf of his father, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and LGBT activist Ndumie Funda addressing the abuse that lesbians face in Cape Town's townships. The convention also featured reports on global tourism from the World Travel & Tourism Council, the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
On the second day of the conference, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce kicked off its new South African LGBTI Business Network, created in partnership with The Other Foundation in Johannesburg. The convention closed with a series of community-based educational events organized through the IGLTA Foundation, and a networking event hosted by the 2017 convention host city, St. Petersburg, Florida.
"This was our first conference on the African continent, so we knew it would be an amazing event, but it exceeded all of our expectations," said John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. "LGBT travel is not just about business, it's also about inspiration — and South Africa delivered."
For high-res convention photos or a transcript of Minister Hanekom's speech, please contact loann.halden@iglta.org .
The event would not be possible without the generous support of our convention sponsors. Presenting Level — South Africa Tourism, South African Airways, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce; Official Level — Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, Embratur, IBM, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation, Rhino Africa Safaris, Tourism Toronto, VisitBritain, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater; Conference Level — Kinky Boots, The Musical; Madrid WorldPride 2017, Preferred Hotel Group, Silversea, Wirld.com; Conference Partners — The GSA Travel Trade Monthly, IGLTA Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Gay & Lesbian Tourism Association, Pink Banana Media, Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, Uthando South Africa, Wine Fairy.
About IGLTA
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA's mission is to expand LGBT tourism globally for the benefit of travelers and its members. The association also is a proud supporter of ECPAT's Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct to prevent child exploitation. IGLTA membership includes LGBT and LGBT-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in 80 countries. For more information: iglta.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.