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The award will be presented to the Italian LGBTQ+ nonprofit at IGLTA’s Global Convention in Milan
Milan, Italy (4 October 2022)—The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association has announced that Arcigay—a national non-profit organisation focused on promoting and protecting equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Italy—is the recipient of the 2022 Pathfinder Award. This award is given to an individual or organisation that has made a significant positive impact on their destination, demonstrating the highest standard of warmth and hospitality to the LGBTQ+ community. Arcigay will receive the Pathfinder Award, part of this year’s IGLTA Honors presented with support from American Express Travel, on 28 October during IGLTA’s Global Convention in Milan. ‘
“Each year, IGLTA Honors recognize individuals and organisations that have shown a tireless commitment to making the world a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travelers. Arcigay has consistently worked to promote a safe and inclusive environment for queer communities across Italy,” said IGLTA Board Chair Felipe Cardenas. “We are thrilled to present this award to such a collaborative and effective organisation.”
For almost 40 years, Arcigay has worked on the national and local level to build a more equitable and inclusive community throughout Italy for LGBTQ+ individuals. Arcigay consists of 72 affiliated associations and local committees that work together to advocate and support initiatives aiming at the promotion and protection of LGBTQ+ rights. It is the largest LGBTQ+ not-for-profit organisation in Italy, in terms of its number of volunteers and activists throughout the country.
"Arcigay was founded in 1985 as a reaction to a brutal double murder of two young gay lovers in Palermo. Although since then the society has become more open, homo-transphobia is still a problem; acts of violence and discrimination cannot been overlooked; Italian politics struggles to provide proper legal protection to our rights and many LGBTQ+ people still do not feel comfortable to be visible in the workplace or in society, in general,” said Secretary General of Arcigay Gabriele Piazzoni.
"This notwithstanding, the LGBTQ+ community is a thriving, creative and combative part of the Italian society that every year fills the streets of our cities with more than 50 Prides and millions of people. The work of Arcigay—with its 70 chapters distributed all over the country—and many other local LGBTQ+ organizations is vital to trigger the deep change that is still needed. We are happy and honored to receive this international recognition that we like to share with all the Italian LGBTQ+ community."
For more information about this year’s convention in Milan, please visit igltaconvention.org.
The 38th Annual IGLTA Global Convention would not be possible without the generous support of our convention sponsors. Institutional Presenting: Italian National Tourist Board; Comune di Milano; YesMilano; AITGL. Presenting Level – Discover Puerto Rico; International Experience Canada/Government of Canada; Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau; Tourist Board of Spain - Turespaña; Visit València; Sevilla City Office. Official Level – American Express Travel; Booking.com; CAP Travel Assistance by FocusPoint International; Visit Lauderdale; Delta Air Lines; Hilton; IMG; Israel Ministry of Tourism; The Florida Keys & Key West; Malta Tourism Authority; Simpleview; Starhotels; Toscana Promozione Turistica; The TreadRight Foundation; Visit Philadelphia; Visit West Hollywood. Conference Level – AIG; Cvent; Fidenza Village; Google; PROMPERU; Tourism Seychelles; SXM Media; Visit Greater Palm Springs. Breakout Session Sponsors – WeTravel. Community Partners - Allumeuse; Arcigay; Community Marketing & Insights; EDGE: LGBTI+ Leaders for Change; Mantra Communications; myGwork; NEBE; Pink Media; Sonders and Beach; World Food Travel Association.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. IGLTA global network includes 12,000 LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80+ 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 us on Facebook @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness or @IGLTAFoundation, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @iglta.