FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (19 November 2024) — The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) is pleased to announce a collaboration with Virtuoso®, the global leader in luxury and experiential travel, in which the two travel entities will work together as Organizational Partners. This strategic partnership reflects Virtuoso’s commitment to fostering inclusivity within the global travel industry and supporting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide.
As an IGLTA Organizational Partner, Virtuoso will engage with IGLTA’s extensive network of LGBTQ+ travelers, industry partners, and allies, to further promote authentic, inclusive travel experiences across the luxury sector.
”Virtuoso is known for curating some of the most extraordinary luxury experiences in the world. We are thrilled to collaborate with them to create a more inclusive travel industry,” said John Tanzella (he/him), IGLTA President/CEO. “Through this sharing of resources between IGLTA and Virtuoso’s influential travel advisors, we can develop more diverse business connections for our members while helping LGBTQ+ travelers explore the world with confidence.”
“Travel plays a significant role in fostering connection and understanding across cultures," said Virtuoso Senior Vice President, Global Member & Partner Sales, Cory Hagopian (he/him). “By partnering with IGLTA, we are furthering Virtuoso’s commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ travelers feel seen and respected across the travel community, especially when engaging within the Virtuoso network.”
Virtuoso’s partnership provides an additional layer of confidence for travelers seeking luxury experiences in destinations that prioritize safety and inclusion. Together, IGLTA and Virtuoso will promote educational initiatives and raise awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ travelers, ensuring that travel is an enriching experience for everyone. The partnership will also enhance the Buyer/Supplier Marketplace at IGLTA’s Global Convention, which expands to two days in 2025.
For more information on Virtuoso and its global network of luxury travel’s best experiences, please visit www.virtuoso.com.
About IGLTA & the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of UN Tourism (formerly known as the United Nations World Tourism Organization). IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. 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. IGLTA hosts several networking opportunities throughout the year in addition to the annual Global Convention; stay up to date on the latest events at iglta.org/go and follow us on Facebook at @IGLTA, @IGLTABusiness and @IGLTAFoundation, X and LinkedIn at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation, and Instagram @IGLTA.
About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $35 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.