First destination organization in California to become a Gold-level partner
Expanded commitment builds on Greater Palm Springs’ longstanding leadership in LGBTQ+ travel
PALM SPRINGS, California (14 September 2026) — Visit Greater Palm Springs, the official destination marketing and management organization for Southern California’s Coachella Valley, today announced that it has elevated its relationship with the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) to a Gold-level Global Partnership.
The expanded partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between Greater Palm Springs and IGLTA and reflects the destination’s continued commitment to advancing inclusive travel. Most recently, Greater Palm Springs hosted the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention, which welcomed record attendance from LGBTQ+ tourism professionals from around the world.
“Visit Greater Palm Springs treats inclusive travel as a fundamental commitment, not just a business opportunity,” said Anthony Warner (he/him), Interim CEO of IGLTA. “For IGLTA, Palm Springs holds a special place in our hearts as a community built on authentic relationships, shared history, and long-standing support. They step up time and time again, and becoming our first Gold-level Global Partner destination in California is the next natural milestone along our shared path.”
“Greater Palm Springs has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and our community has proudly embraced LGBTQ+ travelers for decades,” said Scott White (he/him), President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “Becoming the first destination organization in California to stand alongside IGLTA as a Gold-level Partner reflects both that commitment and our belief that inclusive travel strengthens destinations — benefiting our visitors, our local businesses, and the communities we call home.”
Greater Palm Springs has long been recognized as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. Across its nine distinct cities, visitors can enjoy everything from poolside relaxation, acclaimed dining and shopping to arts and culture, outdoor adventure, wellness experiences and a thriving LGBTQ+ community. The destination is also home to LGBTQ+ owned businesses and signature events throughout the year, including Greater Palm Springs Pride, which was first held in 1986 and has grown into one of the leading Pride celebrations in the United States.
Through its Gold-level partnership, Visit Greater Palm Springs will continue working alongside IGLTA and its global network to champion LGBTQ+ travelers, support tourism businesses and advance a travel industry in which people can explore the world authentically and feel welcome wherever their journeys take them.
About Visit Greater Palm Springs
Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) is the official destination marketing and management organization for the nine-city Southern California oasis comprising Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella. Founded in 1989, Visit Greater Palm Springs works to positively impact the destination’s tourism economy and quality of life for residents through sales, marketing, public relations and destination development programs that grow leisure, meetings, conventions and group travel.
About IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud Affiliate Member of UN Tourism. IGLTA’s mission is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects the LGBTQ+ community and tourism industry. IGLTA's global network includes 14,500+ LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in over 80 countries. The IGLTA Global Partnership program builds strong brand alliances, providing our partners with the context, vocabulary and research to elevate their support of the LGBTQ+ travel community. 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 social media at @IGLTA and @IGLTAFoundation.