Gay travel association to bring its signature event to Spain for the first time

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s 31st Annual Global Convention will be held in Madrid in May 2014. This will mark the inaugural appearance of IGLTA’s premier educational and networking event in Spain – a country known for its progressive legislation on LGBT rights.

“We’re thrilled to be returning to Europe for our 2014 convention, especially to the beautiful city of Madrid,” said IGLTA Board Chair Tanya Churchmuch. “Not only is Madrid home to one of the most important Pride events in the world, but it also has an extremely active local LGBT community that worked hand in hand with local tourism offices to create their wonderful conference bid.”

Promoción Madrid (the Madrid City Council’s Tourist Board), Turespaña (the Spanish Tourism Board) and Turismo Madrid (Tourist Board of the Region of Madrid) have pledged support for the convention. The capital city is also headquarters for the United Nations World Tourism Organization, a key organizational partner of IGLTA.

"This convention, undoubtedly, will help consolidate Madrid among the top destinations in the world for the LGBT segment," said Miguel Angel Villanueva, the Councilor of the Department of Economy, Employment and Citizen Participation of the Madrid City Council and Chair of Promoción Madrid.

The Secretary-General of Domestic Trade and Tourism of Spain, Joan Mesquida, highlighted the way in which the IGLTA Annual Global Convention is a perfect fit for the country: "Spain is a unique country with six consolidated LGBT destinations – Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza, Sitges, Gran Canaria and Torremolinos – where LGBT tourism has a very important and specific weight, accounting for over 10 percent of the overall number of visitors.”

Diversity Consulting and DiversMad (Madrid’s Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) will coordinate and manage the 2014 Convention. For more information, visit www.esmadrid.com.