Washington, DC (6 February 2019)—The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) announced today that the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) will serve as the official partner for its Buyer/Supplier Marketplace during its 36th Annual Global Convention in New York City. The new agreement strengthens the existing organizational partnership between IGLTA and ASTA, which includes reciprocal membership discounts, and underscores the importance of the growing LGBTQ+ tourism sector.

Both organizations have a long history that spans the globe, with IGLTA members located in more than 80 countries and conducting business in over 100, and ASTA with members in 125 countries. IGLTA’s Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, which opens its 2019 Annual Global Convention on April 24 at the New York Hilton Midtown, offers a full day of appointments to directly connect travel advisors and suppliers who are committed to providing safe and welcoming experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers.

“ASTA is respected industry leader for education and advocacy on behalf of the travel advisor community,” said John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. “We look forward to elevating our Buyer/Supplier Marketplace by engaging ASTA’s diverse global network of tourism advisors and suppliers in our appointment-driven forum. Through strong partnerships, we can continue to enhance the experience of our association members and convention attendees.”

Zane Kerby, ASTA President/CEO, who will attend the Buyer/Supplier Marketplace and deliver remarks to the participants said, "Travel unites us in so many ways. Through our partnership with IGLTA and in conjunction with our diverse network of travel advisor members, we’ll be helping to unite the world through travel. We are excited about our participation in the new Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, which aligns with our mission to serve as a trusted resource to the travel community from advisors to suppliers and, most importantly, the traveling public.”

Registration for IGLTA’s Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, presented in partnership with ASTA, may be purchased as part of an IGLTA Annual Global Convention package or as a stand-alone event. For more information, please visit iglta.org/convention.

ABOUT IGLTA: The International LGBTQ+ 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. The association also is a proud supporter of ECPAT’s Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct to prevent child exploitation. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 80 countries. For more information: iglta.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.

About ASTA: Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit ASTA.org. Consumers can connect with an ASTA travel advisor at TravelSense.org.