MIAMI, USA (28 November 2023)—The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association announced today its exciting new global partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Distinguished by its enduring dedication to providing year-round support for LGBTQ+ initiatives, the GMCVB has forged a global partnership with IGLTA, amplifying its commitment to welcoming LGBTQ+ travelers from all over the world.
Greater Miami & Miami Beach stands out as a favored destination for LGBTQ+ visitors because of its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where diversity is celebrated with open arms. The destination is not only a haven for stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but also a hub for LGBTQ+-friendly establishments and events, providing a safe and affirming space for everyone. From the more than 12 marquee LGBTQ+ annual events to vibrant neighborhoods like Wynwood and Miami Beach, Greater Miami & Miami Beach offers an array of experiences that embrace and celebrate the richness of LGBTQ+ culture.
“The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau's decision to become a Global Partner speaks volumes about their dedication to the LGBTQ+ travel community. Recognizing the importance of active participation in this industry, especially in a state like Florida, they are setting a standard for inclusive tourism,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella (he/him).
"We are ecstatic and deeply honored to cement our global partnership with IGLTA. The GMCVB aligns with the IGLTA's visionary mission of propelling LGBTQ+ travel onto the world stage. Greater Miami and Miami Beach are celebrated for their international appeal, embracing a remarkable 2.7 million self-identified LGBTQ+ travelers each year," enthused David Whitaker (he/him), President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Diversity is ingrained in our very DNA, and our newly formalized partnership with IGLTA elevates it to unprecedented heights."
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to have launched the Rainbow Spring program in March of this year. Designed to provide LGBTQ+ visitors with unique programming and promotional offers in Miami and Miami Beach during the spring season, this program is a fantastic addition to the destination. Beginning with Winter Party Festival in March and ending with Wynwood Pride in June, Rainbow Spring showcases Miami Beach Pride, the destination’s largest LGBTQ+ event in April, and additional experiences and events that are as diverse and colorful as the greater LGBTQ+ community itself, including OUTshine Film Festival in April, SweetHeat Miami in May, and No Fear, We’re Queer Comedy Festival in June.
The destination has fostered a relationship with the LGBTQ+ community since the 1930s, and as early pioneers in LGBTQ+ marketing, was proud to welcome its first international press group in 1997. GMCVB has continued to welcome and host international journalists through individual media visits and press groups since. This year, the GMCVB will also launch an international program with Expedia, which will continue to expand the global LGBTQ+ visitors network, which IGLTA is a leader in. In this partnership with IGLTA, the GMCVB remains committed to sharing the Greater Miami & Miami Beach story with the world and continues to welcome LGBTQ+ visitors to its vibrant destination.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel 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. 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 @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness or @IGLTAFoundation, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram @iglta.
About The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami & Miami Beach for leisure, business, meetings, and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website atwww.MiamiandMiamiBeach.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com. To get further engaged with Greater Miami & Miami Beach, join the conversation by following us on our social media channels at Facebook.com/visitmiami, Twitter.com/visitmiami, Instagram.com/visitmiami, https://www.tiktok.com/@visitmiami and Pinterest.com/visit_miami.