October marks a milestone for inclusivity in Japan and for the work of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. For the first time in its 41-year history of advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travel, the IGLTA will hold the 2024 Global Convention in Asia, uniting delegates at the Swissotel Nankai Osaka from Oct. 23 to 26.
This is significant for many reasons. It signals that the time is right for the IGLTA to further expand global dialogue related to equality for LGBTQ+ people in business. It also showcases the opportunities for economic growth for businesses in the region that are committed to creating safe and welcoming environments for like-minded travelers. And it places Japan — specifically Osaka — at the forefront of these conversations and connections.
So, why now? The landscape of LGBTQ+ travel has evolved dramatically since IGLTA was founded in 1983. Our name itself has evolved from only addressing gay travel to including LGBTQ+ to better reflect the broader spectrum of our community. What was once a niche market has become a global force, driving socioeconomic growth and cultural exchange. In recent years, with rising visibility and the expansion of legal protections, we’ve started to see increasing opportunities in sectors like LGBTQ+ family travel, wedding and honeymoon travel and other areas where our community was previously excluded. Some of the educational workshops at our convention will examine these trends and take a deep dive into intersectionality, with topics such as empowering affinity groups in travel (with support from Black in Travel), the economic impact of marriage equality on tourism and allyship for trans and gender-diverse people.
Just as important as Why now? is the question “Why did we choose Osaka?” As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” The relationship between IGLTA and Japan formed through the engagement and commitment of a small, dedicated group of Japanese businesses. Entrepreneur Shintaro Koizumi, founder of the tour operator Out Asia Travel/Out Japan, attended the IGLTA Global Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2011. He networked with thought leaders who understood that open hearts and minds are the pathway to a global tourism industry in which everyone can feel welcome. Koizumi brought that knowledge back to Japan to share with his business community. Over time, we watched the number of Japanese businesses involved in IGLTA grow and their attendance at our conventions around the world become more visible. Among those influential Japanese participants was the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau. The OCTB became a steadfast supporter of the IGLTA, and their eagerness to propel LGBTQ+ travel forward in Japan was evident in their bid for the 2024 convention.
Osaka, with the second-largest LGBTQ+ scene in Japan after Tokyo, is a place with a desire to not only welcome these travelers, but also support the diversity of its residents. Osaka was one of the first prefectural governments to implement a same-sex partnership system, for which over 500 couples have registered as of January 2023. The city meanwhile has led Japan in encouraging businesses and organizations to implement protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2019, Osaka launched the LGBT Leading Company initiative, evaluating organizations on their actions, both as service providers and as employers, to ensure that all individuals can enjoy the same benefits regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Osaka’s commitment to showcasing its culture and hospitality, alongside its support for our community, made it the ideal location for our historic convention.
We anticipate a truly transformative experience for our organization and all those who will join us this year. Our event focuses on the power of networking and education to elevate businesses to the next level. Whether you are taking your first step into the market or continuing your diversity and inclusion journey, the IGLTA Global Convention has a place for every sector of the industry to travel, learn and connect. We’re excited to bring together buyers and suppliers through our popular Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, fostering new partnerships and collaborations with businesses around the globe. Brands seeking marketing and public relations advice will find media outlets and content creators at our Media Networking Event that are ready to assist.
From content and workshops to networking lunches with global exhibitors, the emphasis is on business development in an environment that is warm and inviting.
Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies are equally embraced within IGLTA. Beyond business, we plan to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture, learning from local leaders and gaining insights into emerging trends in the region. Our goal is to create an environment where international attendees can do business while also experiencing the magic of Japan. To make it even more special, the Rainbow Festa! (Osaka Pride) moved its dates to align with our event, allowing our attendees to connect beyond the meeting rooms in a celebratory local setting.
The IGLTA Global Convention draws from every area of travel and tourism, from airlines and hotels to travel advisers, tour operators and travel media. What links all the attendees — who will travel from more than 40 countries to participate — is the desire to create a truly welcoming environment for all travelers. For LGBTQ+ travelers, safety, of course, is a fundamental concern. But beyond that, it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. This means ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and celebrated in their destinations, with access to inclusive accommodations, attractions and experiences. Education and awareness are key components in achieving this goal.
Our year-round mission at IGLTA is to enable authentic travel that enriches lives and connects our community with the tourism industry. We strive to be the leading authority on LGBTQ+ travel, providing essential data, insights and resources to our members and the industry at large. By empowering our members and advocating for LGBTQ+ travelers, we aim to create a world where everyone can experience the joy of travel without prejudice.
In October, we’re bringing our mission to Japan, where every business that participates in our event — and takes the time to understand that we share more commonalities than differences — will help shape a more open and inclusive landscape for tourism. We look forward to seeing the collective impact of this event as a catalyst for positive change within the travel industry.
