International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association to fly to Canada in 2018

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is going to Canada in 2018!

The IGLTA is bringing their Annual Global Convention to Toronto for the second time in its history after the association’s board of directors selected Ontario’s capital city– long-celebrated for its vibrant LGBT community– for the 35th edition of the conference.

The convention, the leading educational and networking event for the LGBT tourism industry, will take place at the downtown Westin Harbour Castle Hotel on the shores of Lake Ontario on May 9-12, 2018.

Canada in the forefront of gay and lesbian rights

“Canada stands at the forefront of gay and lesbian rights, and our 2009 convention in Toronto was one of our best attended,” says IGLTA Board Chair Dan Melesurgo.

“Toronto is truly a diverse, multicultural city that has world-class attractions and unique neighborhoods, including a large and popular gay village. We’re excited to return in 2018 and set the bar even higher,” Melesurgo added.

Toronto’s reputation as an LGBT-welcoming destination is well-deserved, with WorldPride 2014 uniting advocates and allies from around the globe in Toronto. It also attracted an estimated two million visitors over the course of the 10-day festival. The city’s annual gay pride event is one of the largest in North America.

“Our tourism community looks forward to welcoming IGLTA in 2018,” said Andrew Weir, Chief Marketing Officer of Tourism Toronto.

“The world is taking notice of Toronto’s vibrancy and progressive spirit that makes this not only a welcoming destination but also one of North America’s most exciting cities to explore,” said Weir.

IGLTA and Canada

Canada is considered as one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa have their own gay villages, and these cities are also regarded as the most gay-friendly cities in the world. A large majority of Canadians also support same-sex marriage as indicated by recent polls.

In 2003, same-sex marriage was legalized in eight of ten Canadian provinces and one of three Canadian territories. In 2005, with the enactment of the Civil Marriage Act, they became the first country outside Europe and the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide.

On the other hand, the IGLTA is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBT tourism and a proud affiliate-member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The association’s mission is to expand LGBT tourism globally for the benefit of travelers and members.

Likewise, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s membership includes LGBT and LGBT-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80 countries. (PR)