Fort Lauderdale, FL (27 March 2018)—The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association announced today the four new appointments to its 2018-2019 board of directors, a group that includes LGBTQ+ and ally business leaders representing tourism social media/marketing, corporate accommodations, destination promotion and boutique hotels.

The new IGLTA board members are:

  • Apoorva Gandhi, Vice President, Multicultural Affairs, Marriott International
  • Oriol Pamies, Co-Founder, Moovz – The Global LGBT Social Network
  • Sandi Robinson, Director of Sales, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
  • Maria Tuttocuore, Senior Executive Sales & Marketing, Monaco Government Tourist Office.

“We are always striving to attract high-quality board members that reflect the diversity of our global association,” said IGLTA Board Chair Juan Julià. “I’m proud to see the new appointments include two lesbians, a straight ally and a gay man who all come from different business backgrounds within our tourism community. I look forward to working with them on the strategic plans for IGLTA’s future growth and development.”

Shiho Ikeuchi, Director, Overseas Marketing, Executive Guest Services & Operations, Hotel Granvia Kyoto (Japan) was reappointed for another two-year term, reflecting the association’s continued commitment to more outreach in Asia.

The new board takes effect during the board meeting prior to IGLTA’s 35th Annual Global Convention in Toronto, Canada, 9-12 May. In addition to the five appointments, the returning board members are Felipe Cardenas, Co-Founder/CEO, Colombian LGBT Chamber of Commerce; Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, Center for Black Equity (US); Richard Gray, Vice President, LGBT+ Market, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (US); Uwern Jong, Editor in Chief, OutThere Publishing (UK); Juan Julià, Founder/President, Axel Hotels (Spain); Richard Krieger, President, PrideWorld/The Isramworld Portfolio of Brands (US); Steven Larkin, Director of Sales, Canada, Delta Air Lines; Dan Melesurgo, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); Jon Munoz, Vice President, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Hilton, Don Skeoch, Chief Marketing Officer, LA Tourism & Convention Board. John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO, holds a non-voting seat on the board.

For photos or full bios of the IGLTA board members and appointees, please email loann.halden@iglta.org.

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 provide information and resources for LGBT travelers and expand LGBT tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. 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 more than 75 countries. For more information: iglta.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta