Celebrating a Trailblazer in Global LGBTQ+ Travel and Tourism
PALM SPRINGS, CA (11 September 2025) — The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) is pleased to announce Richard Gray (he/him) as the recipient of the 2025 Pinnacle Award. This recognition, the highest of the IGLTA Honors, is presented to an individual, business, or organization that has truly made a heroic journey in advancing LGBTQ+ travel worldwide. The official presentation will take place on 23 October at IGLTA's Global Convention in Palm Springs, California.
Gray, who retired in January 2025 as Senior Vice President for Visit Lauderdale overseeing Inclusion & Accessibility, has spent more than three decades advancing LGBTQ+ tourism. His visionary leadership began in 1991 when he created the acclaimed Royal Palms Resort in Fort Lauderdale, one of the most iconic gay hotels in the world. In 1995, he developed Greater Fort Lauderdale’s groundbreaking LGBTQ+ marketing initiative, setting a standard for inclusive destination promotion.
“Richard Gray is a true pioneer whose influence on LGBTQ+ tourism is felt around the globe,” said John Tanzella (he/him), IGLTA President/CEO. “He has continually pushed the industry to embrace diversity and inclusion at every level, from commissioning research and training to support transgender travelers to championing intersectionality through campaigns featuring LGBTQ+ families, BIPOC travelers, and accessibility. It is an honor to recognize a dear friend whose extraordinary contributions have helped shape the LGBTQ+ travel landscape and serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.”
“My vision of leadership has always been to push boundaries, forge pathways that inspire others to follow, and advocate for visibility to create change,” said Richard Gray (he/him). “Now more than ever, it is essential that we all use our platforms to speak out and fight for equality and inclusion. I am deeply humbled to be the recipient of this prestigious honor.”
The IGLTA Honors were created to celebrate individuals, businesses, and organizations that have tirelessly worked to improve the global landscape for LGBTQ+ travelers and are presented each year as part of the association’s Global Convention.
The 2025 IGLTA Global Convention would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Click here for a full list of our 2025 convention sponsors.
For more information, visit IGLTAconvention.org.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) 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 13,000+ 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 social media at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation.