ATHENS (16 February 2017)—Athens-based Giannis Papagiannopoulos steps in this month as the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s ambassador to Greece, a volunteer role that assists with membership support and development throughout the country. He is the publisher of the Greek LGBT magazine Antivirus, an IGLTA media partner since 2010.

“Greece has a long LGBT history and consistently ranks among the most popular LGBT destinations in Europe,” IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella says. “We’re committed to growing our presence in the tourism community there and helping travellers find more LGBT-welcoming options for their next vacation.”

Papagiannopoulos takes over the position from longtime Greek ambassador Orhideea Rosu, who has relocated to London. In addition to Antivirus, he is the managing director of homo evolution. Founded in 2010, the company is a leader in Greece for LGBT media, events, marketing and travel projects. Papagiannopoulos also sits on the board of the Athens Pride organization and has volunteered with many NGOs for human rights, health and education projects worldwide.

“Becoming an IGLTA ambassador for Greece is a great honor and a commitment to promote the LGBTQ+ community of Greece to the rest of the world through an organization as worthy as IGLTA,” Papagiannopoulos said. “It is also an excellent opportunity for all European countries and LGBTQ+ travel businesses to work together.”

IGLTA's program of global volunteer ambassadors allows the association to better serve its member businesses in 70 countries. If you’d like to connect with Papagiannopoulos, please email Greece@iglta.org.

About IGLTA

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBT travelers and expand LGBT 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 LGBT and LGBT-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 70 countries. For more information: iglta.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.