IGLTA Concludes its 28th Annual Global Convention

You think all those LGBT guesthouses, tour operators, and travel agents operate in a vacuum?

Guess again!

There's an organization that represents their interests and by extention you, dear gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender traveler. Read on!

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), was founded in 1983 with 25 members as a way for travel agents to learn how to sell gay "product" (primarily gay cruises). Today, the association boasts well over 2,000 members around the globe including hotels, destinations, rental car companies, airlines and much more.

IGLTA's 28th Annual Global Convention welcomed more than 450 delegates from 35 countries who converged in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for five full days of education sessions, networking events and trade shows. New countries represented this year included: Finland, Nimibia, Malta, Rwanda and Uganda(!).

Voting closed on 13 May for the annual IGLTA board elections. The IGLTA Board of Directors for 2011-2012 is as follows: Chair Tanya Churchmuch; Vice Chair Cordey Lash; Treasurer Theresa Belpulsi; Secretary Darren Cooper; Past Chair Bryan Herb; Steve Smith, Jeff Guaracino and Mya Lake Reyes; along with our very own Ed Salvato (editor of this blog!) and Dan Melesurgo, who were elected to their first term. Two additional board members from outside of North America will be appointed within the next month.

For more information about the convention, including copies of the educational presentations, photos and media coverage, please visit www.igltaconvention.org. More information will be posted as it becomes available, so check back regularly.

The next convention will be held in Florianopolis Brazil in May, 2012. (Check back at www.igltaconvention.org later in the year for more information.)