JOHN TANZELLA FELLOWSHIP FUND
Honouring a Legacy of Leadership
The John Tanzella Fellowship Fund was established by the IGLTA Foundation to honour the extraordinary life and legacy of John Tanzella, whose leadership transformed LGBTQ+ travel around the world. For more than 20 years, John served as President and CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), leading the organization with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering belief that LGBTQ+ travelers should feel welcome everywhere. His vision helped establish IGLTA as the world's leading organization advancing LGBTQ+ travel while fostering a global community built on inclusion, collaboration, and opportunity.
John's passion for giving back to the industry he loved inspired the creation of the IGLTA Foundation in 2012, expanding support for LGBTQ+ leadership, education, and research across the global tourism sector. Today, his legacy continues through the John Tanzella Fellowship Fund.
About the Fellowship Fund
The IGLTA Foundation's Fellowship Program offers travel funding and mentorship to LGBTQ+ small business leaders, young professionals, and students. By offering fellowships, the IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue their dreams and build successful careers in the travel, tourism & hospitality industry. Not only do these programs provide financial support, professional development, and industry experience, but they also contribute to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. The John Tanzella Fellowship Fund supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in emerging destinations, helping create more inclusive, resilient, and welcoming tourism communities around the world.
Why This Fund Matters
John believed that travel has the power to change lives. Throughout his career, he championed collaboration across borders, encouraged emerging voices, and worked tirelessly to create opportunities for LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals worldwide.
The fellowship carries that vision forward by supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in emerging tourism destinations through professional development, access to the Convention marketplace, Think Tank, and networking opportunities, and a mentorship program that fosters long-term professional relationships. Together, these opportunities strengthen inclusive tourism businesses and local communities while supporting the next generation of LGBTQ+ travel leaders.
Make a Difference
A contribution to the John Tanzella Fellowship Fund is more than a donation—it is an investment in the future John envisioned.
Your contribution helps provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, develop their leadership skills, and create more inclusive travel experiences around the world.
Together, we can honour John's remarkable legacy by continuing the work he dedicated his life to: building a more welcoming world through travel.