PALM SPRINGS, CA (28 October 2025) — The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association just concluded its 2025 Global Convention in Palm Springs, California, the largest in its history. With approximately 750 delegates and 465 businesses representing 30 countries and territories, this year’s event celebrated the power of visibility, connection, and community in advancing global LGBTQ+ travel. Visit Greater Palm Springs served as the official Host City Partner, welcoming attendees to an oasis for all.
“At a time when our visibility is being challenged, we showed up stronger than ever. Seeing our industry stand together with such pride and purpose is a powerful reminder that representation isn’t just important, it’s essential,” said John Tanzella (he/him), IGLTA President/CEO. “This year’s convention was truly a community effort and would not have been possible without the incredible support of Visit Greater Palm Springs. As a local resident, I could not be more proud to see my city welcome our global community with such heart.”
“Hosting the IGLTA Global Convention in Greater Palm Springs was an incredible honor for our destination,” said Scott White (he/him), President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “Welcoming LGBTQ+ travel professionals from around the world allowed us to showcase what makes our community so special — our inclusivity, creativity, and genuine warmth. The energy, collaboration, and inspiration shared throughout the week truly reflected the spirit of Greater Palm Springs, and we’re so proud to have been part of advancing global LGBTQ+ tourism together.”
Convention Highlights:
- Record attendance: Approximately 750 delegates from 30 countries
- 465 represented businesses spanning tourism, hospitality, and media
- Two-day Buyer/Supplier Marketplace with buyers representing an estimated US$700 million in tourism business
- Launch of the Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group’s guide, a new resource for navigating global travel
- Recognition of the 2025 IGLTA Foundation Fellowship recipients, five emerging voices in global LGBTQ+ tourism leadership
- Nearly 70 global LGBTQ+ travel media in attendance, marking the convention’s largest-ever media turnout
- A powerful Women’s Leadership panel celebrating visibility, empowerment, and collaboration
- New values-driven LGBTQ+ data presented from keynote David Allison (he/him)
- The IGLTA Foundation’s most successful Voyage fundraiser to date: held at the iconic Dinah Shore Estate, it raised more than US$120,000 to support inclusive travel initiatives
- Arenas District Gilbert Baker Pride flag dedication and a permanent public art installation, the Pride Monument
IGLTA would also like to thank the City of Palm Springs for its extraordinary hospitality and visible support.
Please email communications@iglta.org for high-resolution photos from the convention.
IGLTA’s 2026 Global Convention will take place 17–21 November 2026 in Seville, Spain. Early discounted rates are available now.
The 2025 IGLTA Global Convention in Palm Springs would not be possible without the generous support of our convention sponsors and supporters.
Presenting Sponsors: Visit Greater Palm Springs; Visit California; and Airbnb. Official Sponsors: AmaWaterways; American Express Travel; Booking.com; Cvent; Destination Toronto; Encore; PS Resorts; Simpleview; The Tryst; Travel Guard; Virtuoso; Visit Lauderdale. Conference Sponsors: Embratur - Visit Brasil; Destination Madison; Discover Puerto Rico; Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau; Meet Boston; Miles Partnership; Parker Palm Springs; ProColombia; Snapsight; Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau; Turismo de Sevilla | Turismo Andaluz | Turespaña. Community Partners: CA vs HATE; Desert Business Association; Gay Desert Guide/KGAY; Greater Palm Springs Pride; LGBT MPA; Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce; PS Gay Men's Chorus; Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs; Signature Travel Network; The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert; Transgender Health & Wellness Center; The LaLiT Hotels.
About IGLTA & The IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. IGLTA's global network includes 13,500+ LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in more than 85 countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research, and education. For more information: iglta.org, igltaconvention.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow social media at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation.
About Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS)
Visit Greater Palm Springs is the official tourism marketing agency for the Coachella Valley, which comprises the nine cities of Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella, as well as unincorporated areas of Riverside County. Founded in May 1989 by a Joint Powers Authority, VGPS was created as a public-private partnership to help grow the region’s tourism economy and now serves more than 3,000 business partners, providing sales, marketing, and PR targeted to potential leisure travelers and event, meeting, and convention group markets.