It’s World LGBTQ+ Tourism Day!
This day is an annual recognition of the role tourism plays in creating LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces for the wide array of travellers, while highlighting that there’s still progress to be made.
Talking to Travel Weekly about the importance of this day is Louise Terry, the president of GALTA, Australia’s LGBTQ+ Travel Association who touched on .
“When considering where to take a holiday, a common consideration for LGBTQ+ travellers is safety – will my partner and I be welcome, are there laws we need to consider, will we be safe,” Terry said.
“Tourism has the capacity to generate conversation and influence change with Sydney WorldPride 2023 a great example, welcoming LGBTQ+ travellers from around the world to celebrate and embrace diversity, culminating in the Human Rights Conference that highlighted ongoing injustices and lived experiences.”
Terry recognised that the desire for genuine travel and ensuring safe holiday experiences for LGBTQ+ people go hand-in-hand as travellers and the team at GALTA look towards brands that support this.
“Together with our members across the country we promote welcoming travel experiences and advocate for greater awareness around what welcoming travel looks like for businesses that are seeking to be more inclusive and need some direction,” Terry said.
“Australia is represented globally in the LGBTQ+ travel sector via GALTA’s partnership with our international colleagues, IGLTA. We’re looking forward to attending IGLTA’s International Convention in Puerto Rico this October to further our efforts in promoting Australia as a safe and welcoming country for LGBTQ+ travellers the world over.”
As Australia’s LGBTQ+ Travel Association since 1992, GALTA is a non-profit organisation with a strong national membership and dedicated voluntary Board of tourism professionals with years of experience across tourism marketing and retail travel.
Featured Image: Suitcase with rainbow gay flag design travel concept. (iStock/zoff-photo)
