Fort Lauderdale, US (TAN): United States-based LGBTQ tourism organisation International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has said its 37th Annual Global Convention will be held in Milan, Italy between May 6 and 9, 2020.
According to reports, the educational and networking event for LGBTQ tourism professionals moves to a new queer-friendly location each year that is selected by IGLTA’s board of directors through a bidding process. While it will be the first time for Italy to host the event, the event will return to Europe for the first time since 2014.
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“This victory is not only a recognition of the quality of the tourism offer in Milan – increasingly competitive at an international level—but also and above all, a clear prize to the maturity and the commitment with which the city is fighting for the affirmation of civil rights. This is why we are very pleased to welcome this appointment: in this way, we will be able to contribute even more strength and determination to the growth and cultural change of our society,” Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala was quoted by media reports as saying.
Milan, a popular tourist destination, boasts attractions such as the Duomo Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Castle Sforzesco, and is also famous all over the world for its fashion district.
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“Milan is the fashion-forward center of LGBTQ+ life in Italy with pride events attracting 200,000 participants – and 20 LGBTQ+ associations, including a branch of AITGL, the Italian Gay & Lesbian Travel Association,” IGLTA Chief Executive Officer John Tanzella was quoted by travelpulse.com as saying.
“It’s a vibrant community in which to set our convention. While some of our previous host cities have had longer ties to LGBTQ+ tourism, we strive to support all destinations that are making an effort to grow and evolve. Italy added a same-sex civil union law in 2016 and has significantly increased its outreach to LGBTQ+ travelers over the past few years. We’re very excited to bring our premier event to an Italian city for the first time in our 37-year history,” he added.
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The host hotel for 2020 will reportedly be the UNAHOTELS Expo Fiera Milano, the details of which have yet to be disclosed.
“When I started doing LGBTQ business in Italy in 2007, I found many obstacles. But with the collaboration of an engaged business community, we helped to change perceptions. Today the Italian culture is much more open and in fact, Italy is one of the countries with the most IGLTA members in Europe,” Alessio Virgili, IGLTA’s ambassador in Italy and the Chief Executive Officer of AITGL was quoted by reports as saying.
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