OSAKA, Japan (16 October 2024) — The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s IGLTA Honors, presented with the support of American Express Travel®. The IGLTA Honors were created to celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations that have tirelessly worked to improve the global landscape for LGBTQ+ travelers. They will be awarded at the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka during IGLTA’s Global Convention, 23-26October.
“LGBTQ+ tourism cannot progress without the dedicated efforts of global industry leaders and organizations working tirelessly to create a more inclusive world,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella (he/him). “At our first Asian convention, in the welcoming city of Osaka, we want to celebrate two extraordinary Japanese entrepreneurs whose commitment behind the scenes has contributed to a more open, friendly country for LGBTQ+ visitors and locals alike.”
The 2024 Pioneer Award goes to Shintaro Koizumi (he/him),President of luxury tour operator Out Asia Travel. This Honor recognizes individuals, businesses, or organizations whose innovative spirit and actions have played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ travel.
A native of Tokyo, Koizumi brought 20 years of inbound tourism experience into the creation of his own LGBTQ+ welcoming tour company, Out Asia Travel. He also advises destinations and companies on LGBTQ+ tourism under his consultancy Out Japan Co., Ltd., traveling around the country to conduct workshops on inclusive travel. In 2019, he became the LGBTQ+ advisor for Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau and was instrumental in bringing IGLTA’s Global Convention to Asia for the first time in our association’s 41-year history.
“I am honored to receive the 2024 Pioneer Award. Since joining IGLTA and attending the IGLTA Global Convention in Fort Lauderdale in 2011, I have strongly felt the need to provide safe, enjoyable travel for LGBTQ+ travelers,” said Koizumi. “In addition to providing care and service to travelers, I have been providing LGBTQ+ training to Japanese travel industry professionals. To me, the IGLTA Global Convention being held in Osaka means that LGBTQ+ tourism will be fully launched in Japan. But we won’t stop. My staff and I will continue to work hard to build a better world.”
The 2024 Pathfinder Award will be presented to Nijiiro Diversity, an Osaka-based nonprofit organization that tackles issues of LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination. In 2022, they opened the Pride Center Osaka, a permanent safe space for the LGBTQ+ locals and visitors to Japan. The Pathfinder Award is given to an individual, business or organization that has made significant positive impact on their destination, demonstrating the highest standard of warmth and hospitality to the LGBTQ+ community.
“On behalf of Nijiiro Diversity and Pride Center Osaka, I am deeply grateful to receive the Pathfinder Award,” said Nijiiro Diversity Founder/Director Maki Muraki (she/her). “Since 2013, our goal has always been to create a more inclusive world—one workplace, one safe space at a time. With Pride Center Osaka, we wanted to offer a permanent place where everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, both locally and globally, can feel welcome, supported, and safe. This award encourages us to continue this journey and to keep building a society where diversity is truly embraced.”
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 (formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organization). IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. IGLTA's global network includes 13,000+ 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 at @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness and @IGLTAFoundation, X and LinkedIn at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation, and Instagram @IGLTA.
About American Express Travel®
American Express Travel is a global, full-service travel and lifestyle services provider with over 100 years of experience delivering memorable, personalized experiences to meet Card Members’ needs. American Express Travel provides Card Members with best-in-class service, added value and access to premium travel programs and a unique suite of benefits through an extensive global network of lodging, air, cruise and tour suppliers.