IGLTA 2025 attracted record attendance for its biggest global convention yet with around 750 delegates and 465 businesses from 30 countries assembling in Palm Springs from 21–25 October to spotlight and advance LGBTQIA+ travel.
GALTA also led a national delegation to IGLTA 2025, marking Australia’s first coordinated presence at the leading global LGBTQIA+ tourism event.
The unified Visit Gay Australia delegation was supported by Destination NSW, Visit Victoria and Tourism and Events Queensland.
GALTA President Louise Terry said: “Our goal is to elevate Australia’s profile as a leader in inclusive tourism and to build meaningful partnerships that drive visitation, visibility and economic benefit across our incredible destinations and for our national members.”
The Australian delegation took part in the Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, Tourism Expo and the Conference program at IGLTA 2025.
The two-day marketplace hosted global buyers representing an estimated USD$700 million (around AUD$1 billion) in tourism business.
IGLTA 2025 also drew around 70 LGBTQIA+ global travel media to the event, marking the convention’s biggest-ever media turnout.
The event launched the Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group’s guide, a new, first-of-its -kind resource for navigating global travel.
Host City Partner Visit Greater Palm Springs welcomed attendees to an oasis for all.
IGLTA President & CEO John Tanzella said: “At a time when our visibility is being challenged, we showed up stronger than ever. Seeing our industry stand together with such pride and purpose is a powerful reminder that representation isn’t just important, it’s essential.”
“This year’s convention was truly a community effort and would not have been possible without the incredible support of Visit Greater Palm Springs. As a local resident, I could not be more proud to see my city welcome our global community with such heart.”
Visit Greater Palm Springs President & CEO Scott White added: “Hosting the IGLTA Global Convention in Greater Palm Springs was an incredible honour for our destination.”
“Welcoming LGBTQ+ travel professionals from around the world allowed us to showcase what makes our community so special – our inclusivity, creativity, and genuine warmth.
“The energy, collaboration, and inspiration shared throughout the week truly reflected the spirit of Greater Palm Springs and we’re so proud to have been part of advancing global LGBTQ+ tourism together.”
IGLTA’s 2026 Global Convention will take place from 17–21 November 2026 in Seville, Spain.
For more info, head to iglta.org
