LOS ANGELES (December 4, 2017) — Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism), the official tourism marketing organization for the City of Los Angeles, today announced its global partnership with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). As a global partner, L.A. Tourism strengthens its commitment to welcoming LGBTQ+ travel and will provide year-round support for IGLTA, the world’s premier member-based organization for LGBTQ+ hospitality and tourism.
“Los Angeles has a distinction worldwide of being a city that fully embraces diversity, inclusivity and acceptance and L.A. Tourism has long recognized the importance of serving LGBTQ+ travelers,” said Don Skeoch, chief marketing officer of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “We are proud to partner with IGLTA to elevate our dedicated efforts in promoting Los Angeles as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the world.”
"Partnering with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a very significant development, as we both have a long, noteworthy history in the LGBTQ+ community," said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. "With this partnership, we are positioned to better promote this popular, diverse destination, from its film industry to the beautiful beach communities, from its outdoor activities to shopping, the arts, and world-class dining.”
As global partner, L.A. Tourism will directly engage with IGLTA members and LGBTQ+ consumers through a variety of marketing opportunities including promotions via the IGLTA website and the IGLTA Annual Global Convention (which Los Angeles hosted in 2015) as well as participate in LGBTQ+ market research programs.
Los Angeles attracts 3.2 million LGBT visitors annually, representing an estimated $1.5 billion in travel spend.
ABOUT LOS ANGELES TOURISM & CONVENTION BOARD
Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions as the City’s official tourism marketing organization.
One of the world’s most dynamic and diverse destinations, Los Angeles is comprised of more than 30 diverse neighborhoods and considered the cultural hub of the Pacific Rim. Home to near-perfect weather, 75 miles of jaw-dropping shoreline, more museums than any other U.S. city and an award-winning culinary scene, Los Angeles presents endless possibilities that keep its more than 47 million annual visitors entertained. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at discoverLosAngeles.com, join the more than one million people who follow Discover L.A. at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or follow @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
ABOUT IGLTA
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourism 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 approximately 75 countries. For more information: iglta.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.