IGLTA connects with members in Brazil

The second edition of the Forum de Turismo LGBT do Brasil was held in Sao Paulo on 5 June, bringing together nearly 250 travel professionals for a full day of education, workshops, panel discussions and networking. Created in 2017 by IGLTA Media Partner ViaG, the Forum invited world-class destinations and global travel brands to present market data and share best practices for marketing to LGBTQ+ travelers. The program covered a diverse range of topics, including LGBTQ+ family travel, lesbian travel and event-related travel.

Several IGLTA Global Partners and members presented and/or exhibited, including: Delta Air Lines, St. Petersburg/Clearwater CVB, Las Vegas CVA, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Greater Miami CVB, VisitBritain, Mexico Tourism, Israel Ministry of Tourism, ProColombia, Hotel Unique, and Gol Airlines.

IGLTA membership in Brazil has grown significantly over the past two years, becoming the second-largest membership base outside of the United States, and the Brazilian National Tourism Board (Embratur) continues to reinforce its commitment to the LGBTQ+ travel market through sponsorship of the IGLTA Annual Global Convention.

The Forum was organized as one of the events held in conjunction with Sao Paulo Pride Week. The 2018 edition of Sao Paulo Pride drew an estimated crowd of 3 million people. Now in its 22nd year, Sao Paulo Pride is recognized globally as the world’s largest pride celebration.

Presenters included: Clark Massad, Vice President – Global Partnerships, IGLTA; Clovis Casemiro, Membership Coordinator – Brazil, IGLTA ; Richard Gray, Vice President LGBT+, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB; Marjorie Pinichetti, Planeta Brasil Incoming; Gabriela Torrezani, Director, Rainbow Gay Tours; Jim McMichael, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority; Ivan Martínez, Mexico Tourism; Maria Galvis, ProColombia; Diemerson Batista, Delta Air Lines; Marcos Almeida, Gol Airlines.