In the heart of Delhi, a vibrant and groundbreaking symposium recently unfolded for the second consecutive year, marking a significant stride toward inclusivity in travel spearheaded by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) Foundation.
Founded in 1983, the IGLTA has established itself as the world’s foremost network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses, fostering a global community where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.
“This symposium in Delhi, driven by the IGLTA Foundation, was our second endeavour to create more inclusive travel opportunities,” says LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications at the IGLTA Foundation. The initiative aimed to enhance travel experiences for the LGBTQ+ community both inbound to India and outbound from India, within this expansive global network.
The transformation witnessed over the past year has been nothing short of spectacular. LoAnn recounts, “IGLTA was quite new in India a year ago. Since then, we have onboarded a membership development manager, Parth Patnaik, and two interns based in the Delhi area.”
A pivotal figure in this journey has been Keshav Suri, the executive director of the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, who, as the India initiative chair, has been instrumental in forging meaningful connections across the country.
The potential for LGBTQ+ travel in India, both as a destination and a source market, is immense. With a population where even, a conservative estimate suggests a significant percentage identifies as LGBTQ+, the travel market is vast and untapped. “Creating educational opportunities and awareness is crucial right now,” LoAnn explains, “so businesses in India can be better prepared to welcome LGBTQ+ travelers.”
LoAnn draws inspiration from a story of transformation that began with a small tour operator from Japan who attended the IGLTA convention in 2011. This individual’s dedication over 13 years culminated in the association’s first global convention in Asia, set to take place in Osaka, Japan. “The potential for India is unlimited,” LoAnn asserts, emphasizing that such monumental change does not necessarily require government intervention but can be driven by private partnerships and the resolve of individuals and businesses.
The recent symposium in India showcased the eagerness of private companies and small tour operators to engage in this dialogue of inclusivity. “It’s about starting conversations, however small,” Thomas “TJ” Chernick, IGLTA Foundation Partnership Engagement Director states, underscoring the power of inclusive travel and tourism as an economic driver that can eventually capture the government’s attention.
Addressing the question of India’s readiness as a destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, Chernick is optimistic. “All the pieces are there,” he says, pointing to India’s progressive trans protections and the general lack of awareness among travellers about the country’s inclusivity. The challenge lies in effectively marketing this potential to the global LGBTQ+ community – a task where IGLTA is poised to play a crucial role in bridging the gap.
Despite the association’s global reach, with 13,000 tourism professionals in its fold, participation from India remains modest. The aim is to support small businesses in understanding the economic benefits of aligning with IGLTA. “We are overcoming hurdles and starting conversations,” Chernick emphasizes, highlighting the importance of education and awareness for businesses to recognize the value of joining the world’s most impactful LGBTQ+ travel community.