LGBT Business
Conference 2016
South African
Tourism Minister to Address
IGLTA’s Historic Cape Town
Convention
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the leading
member based global organisation dedicated to LGBT tourism and
a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism
Organization. This year from the 16 - 16 April IGLTA delegates from all
over the world will descend on Cape Town to attend the 33rd Annual
Global Convention .... with the IGLTA’s mission to expand LGBT
tourism globally for the benefit of travellers and members and with a
membership which includes LGBT and LGBT friendly accommodations,
destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events
and travel media in 80 countries, the spotlight on Cape Town will have
a positive impact for LGBTI tourism in this part of the world .
T
he 33rd Annual Global Convention of the
In 1996, South Africa became the first country in the
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association will be
world to constitutionally prohibit sexual orientation based
the first LGBT business conference of its kind on the
discrimination. Same sex marriage became legal in 2006.
African continent.
The ground-breaking event, set for 14 - 16 April 2016 at
theiconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South
Africa, will include presentations from leaders in the tourism
industry from Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States.
“We are delighted that the International Gay & Lesbian Travel
Association has decided to bring its annual convention to South
Africa for the first time,” Minister Hanekom said. “It indicates
that South Africa is now being recognized around the world
as a country that respects the rights and dignity of all people,
regardless of their gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.
After decades of condemnation as the pariah of the world under
apartheid, we are all proud of this remarkable achievement.
South African Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom is set to
deliver the keynote welcome to the IGLTA delegates and then
participate in a conversation on global tourism with World
Travel & Tourism Council President/CEO David Scowsill. Pacific
“I trust that this convention will help to advance the dignity and
Asia Travel Association CEO Mario Hardy will also address
rights of gay and lesbian travellers even further, and that it will
attendees during the three - day ev