WEST HOLLYWOOD, California (15 August, 2023)—The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) proudly announces its newest Global Partner, West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board, also known as Visit West Hollywood. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity and establishes West Hollywood as an even more prominent LGBTQ+ welcoming travel destination.
As the epicenter of LGBTQ+ culture in Southern California, West Hollywood takes immense pride in its diverse and welcoming community. West Hollywood boasts a rich history in LGBTQ+ advocacy, having been the site of the world's first permitted Pride parade in 1970. Today, the city's vibrant spirit keeps the Pride celebration alive year-round, thriving within the pulsing dance clubs and friendly neighborhood dive bars that welcome visitors and locals alike. With nearly 40 percent of its population identifying as LGBTQ+, the city is a shining beacon of acceptance.
"IGLTA is delighted to welcome West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board as an official Global Partner," said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. "West Hollywood’s dedication to intersectionality and their ongoing support for IGLTA's mission make them an invaluable ally. We look forward to working with them to bridge the gap between LGBTQ+ travelers and exceptional travel experiences."
“West Hollywood is built on the tenets of inclusivity and acceptance,” said Tom Kiely, President/CEO of West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board. “We are thrilled to solidify the relationship with IGLTA even more to bring greater awareness for year-round travelers to find a safe space to celebrate the art of self-expression and self-discovery, which are among the most important benefits of travel.”
West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board was a proud host of IGLTA’s 1993 Global Convention and was also a major sponsor of IGLTA’s 2015 Global Convention in Los Angeles. West Hollywood has been a champion for LGBTQ+ rights and fostering a true sense of community with IGLTA for 30 years. West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board has remained an active IGLTA member and a strong supporter of the IGLTA Foundation’s India Initiative. Earlier this year, they played a crucial role as a partner for the Foundation’s first LGBTQ+ travel symposium in New Delhi. At the symposium, members of the IGLTA team and thought leaders from the IGLTA network collaborated with Indian tourism businesses to discuss the high potential of LGBTQ+ tourism to and from India.
West Hollywood continues to pave the way for inclusivity, when in 2022, the city installed new design elements on its rainbow crosswalk in the “Rainbow District” (intersection of Santa Monica and N. San Vicente Boulevards) to include a chevron pattern featuring black and brown stripes to represent LGBTQ+ people of color and pink, light blue, and white to represent transgender people. The 2012 installation was the first permanent crosswalk of their kind to embody a theme of pride, which follows nearly four decades of advocating for measures to support LGBTQ+ individuals, in the vanguard of efforts to gain and protect equality for all people on a state, national and international level.
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 12,500+ 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 Visit West Hollywood
Visit West Hollywood (West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board) is the official marketing organization that invites visitors to West Hollywood, California, a walkable, 1.9 square mile city in the heart of Los Angeles. Located at the base of the Hollywood Hills and adjacent to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood is a creative and progressive city that embodies the quintessential L.A. lifestyle. West Hollywood is home to 20 hotels and comprises three main districts: the world-famous Sunset Strip with unparalleled nightlife, eclectic and LGBTQ-friendly Santa Monica Boulevard, and the Design District known for its sought-after shopping and dining. West Hollywood enjoys a year-round moderate climate and thanks to its prime location and hip atmosphere, West Hollywood serves as home and playground to many celebrities. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@visitweho). www.visitwesthollywood.com