LOS ANGELES, United States (16 March 2026) — The IGLTA Foundation and The Sigmund Project have announced a new partnership to support LGBTQ+ tourism entrepreneurs and small business owners. This collaboration focuses on providing resources for those often outside the traditional corporate reach, specifically small-scale business owners, entrepreneurs in emerging destinations, and trans-led tourism projects.
Together, the IGLTA Foundation and The Sigmund Project are creating space for new ideas to find their people—because when the right connections happen, possibility follows.
“This collaboration with The Sigmund Project is about making sure the incredible, and often overlooked talent within our global travel network has a clear path to be seen and heard,” said Thomas “TJ” Chernick (he/him), IGLTA Foundation Engagement Director. “We’re opening up a direct line to mentorship and global connections because we know that when we support each other’s ideas, the whole industry wins.”
The Sigmund Project brings to the partnership its Open • Source idea hub and the SigmundVerse—a community of more than 10,000 tourism professionals. To date, over 250 ideas have been submitted through the platform.
“At its heart, this partnership is about being there for LGBTQ+ founders and helping them take the next step,” said Alan Elliott Merschen (he/him), Founder of Sigmund. “When people are seen and supported, the ripple effects reach far beyond any single business.”
“This partnership comes at a great moment for us,” said Ally Stoltz LaBriola (she/her), Director of Sigmund. “We’ve just completed a major AI-powered rebuild of thesigmundproject.org and we’re now able to scale this kind of partnership in a meaningful way—bringing more mentorship, more connection, and more opportunity to communities like the IGLTA Foundation.”
How it Works
Participation is free and focused on visibility, guidance, and meaningful industry connections. IGLTA members can participate through a dedicated collaboration page on the IGLTA Foundation website.
By working together, the two organizations are creating a space where LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs can share ideas, receive direct mentorship, and find the industry connections needed to grow.
Learn more at https://thesigmundproject.org/IGLTA.
About IGLTA and 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 14,500+ 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 The Sigmund Project
The Sigmund Project is a global platform for travel and tourism professionals designed to spark collaboration, surface new ideas, and connect innovators across the industry. Guided by the principles of People, Planet, and Profit, Sigmund brings together entrepreneurs, academics, agencies, destinations, and industry leaders to help turn ideas into action. Its work includes the Open • Source idea hub, an AI-powered RFP Hub, free resources and toolkits, direct mentorship, a global tourism events calendar, and academic partnership programs that link university students with real-world tourism ventures. Through its global community of 10,000+ tourism professionals, aka the SigmundVerse, Sigmund helps bring ideas, opportunities, and expertise together to support a more innovative future for tourism. Learn more at thesigmundproject.org.