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Application is now live for the new award, which recognizes an independent LGBTQ+ welcoming business for efforts in responsible tourism development
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (22 April 2021)—As Earth Day events unfold around the globe today, the IGLTA Foundation has opened applications for its new Impact Award, which recognizes a smaller business member of IGLTA (fewer than 10 employees) whose initiatives encourage the responsible development of tourism in three key areas: environment, community, and diversity and inclusion. The Impact Award is presented in partnership with The TreadRight Foundation, the foundation created by The Travel Corporation's family of brands.
The Impact Award presentation will be held in Atlanta on 11 September at the IGLTA Annual Global Convention, the premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ+ tourism, and includes US$5,000 in convention benefits and marketing support for the recipient. View the application here.
“It's incredible to see the IGLTA Foundation prioritize sustainability and to shine a well-deserved spotlight on members who live and breathe it,” says Shannon Guihan, Chief TreadRight & Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation. “It’s a very challenging time in our industry, however the issues that face the world—climate change, diversity and inclusion, excessive resource use—these issues are not going away and we, as an industry, and one of the world’s largest, need to address them head on. As we begin to see the other side of this pandemic, the focus must be on ensuring the impact of our industry is a positive one.”
A committee will judge submissions based on three pillars of sustainability:
- Environment: A project and/or an initiative that demonstrates the true responsibility and values of sustainable tourism
- Community: A project and/or an initiative that focuses on communication, cooperation, and compromise by many different stakeholders to build consensus and the well being of the locals
- Diversity & Inclusion: A project and/or an initiative that recognizes diversity as more than just a word and establishes commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, sexual identity, religion, and experience
“The IGLTA Foundation is committed to empowering LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses, and now, more than ever, we want to celebrate businesses that are developing thoughtful solutions to help our industry rebuild in a better and more inclusive way,” says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “It was especially important to us to focus on smaller businesses that are often overlooked, but whose creativity can inspire us all.”
Due to the impacts of the pandemic, applications may include projects/initiatives completed anytime in the past 24 months. The deadline for applications is 21 May, with the award winner announced 15 June.
For more information, please email info@igltafoundation.org.
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 membership includes LGBTQ+ and 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, Twitter and Instagram @iglta or @IGLTAFoundation on Facebook.