Osaka Shines Bright: IGLTA’s Most Globally Diverse Convention Amplifies LGBTQ+ Travel Opportunity in Asia-Pacific

Photo by Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau.

With attendees representing over 50 countries and territories, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) 2024 Global Convention in Osaka, Japan, was the organization's most globally diverse convention ever and highlighted the Asia-Pacific region as a dynamic and rapidly emerging market for LGBTQ+ travel.

Osaka, Japan’s first municipality to recognize same-sex couples as foster parents, is leading the charge in fighting for greater visibility by hosting “the most globally diverse convention in IGLTA's history.”

It is “a reflection of Osaka’s status as a diverse destination that is welcoming to all travelers,” said Hiroshi Mizohata, President of Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Opening Reception. Photo by Through the Shutter.

“Bringing our global convention to Osaka has been such an impactful experience, creating new opportunities for IGLTA members to build meaningful business relationships in Asia and expanding visibility for LGBTQ+ tourism within the region,” said IGLTA President and CEO John Tanzella.

IGLTA President and CEO John Tanzella. Photo by AST.

Asia, making up 60% of the world’s population, is home to an estimated 235 million LGBTQ+ individuals, a population larger than that of the U.S. Participants also acknowledged there was more work to do to advance LGBTQ+ travel in the region.

The age-old question remains: how can a responsible and inclusive tourism business play an important role in LGBTQ+ activism in their countries and territories?

The panel “Exploring Social Inclusion in Asia-Pacific,” supported by the Asian Development Bank, brought together members of the Emerging Destinations and Communities cohort from Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka to explore sustainable tourism through legal, economic, and human development lenses.

Dinesh Perera, Founder of Foozoo Travel, Sri Lanka, highlighted, “economic advancement does not automatically produce gender and LGBTQ+ equity. For example, in Nepal, while economically less developed, the LGBTQ+ community enjoys greater rights than in its neighbors, as the first South Asian country that had its supreme court order the government to pass same-sex marriage legislation. It’s worth noting that successive governments have failed to do so.”

Rudrani Chhertri, Founder and Managing Director of Mitr Trust & Sexual Minority male Association for Rights (SMARt) - India, said,“being a successful tourism business leader means building an ecosystem that can generate impact on its own and brings more people into the fold.”

From left: Dinesh Perera, Founder of Foozoo Travel - Sri Lanka; Rudrani Chhertri, Founder and Managing Director of Mitr Trust & Sexual Minority male Association for Rights (SMARt) - India; Regita Gurung, Vice President of QVoB Tours and Travels - Bhutan; Aayam Poudel, Co-founder of Queermandu Tours and Travel - Nepal. Photo by AST.

Another key highlight came from Lisa Lam, Co-Chair of Gay Games 11 Hong Kong, who made a case of how event tourism can play a critical role in advancing inclusion and visibility. The inaugural Gay Games in Asia was held in November 2023, attracting 2,400 attendees from 45 countries and territories.

Lisa Lam, Co-Chair of Gay Games 11 Hong Kong, Founder and Managing Consultant of Imagine 3.

The IGLTA Global Convention 2025 will be held in Palm Springs, California, from 21-25 October. You can secure your spot here.

AST’s attendance at the 2024 IGLTA Global Convention would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of Hotel New Otani Osaka. Situated on the northern side of the Osaka Castle Park, Hotel New Otani Osaka features a sweeping view of the iconic 16th century Osaka Castle.

Photos by Hotel New Otani Osaka

Booking.com’s Travel Proud Program

A 2024 Booking.com research shows that 83% of LGBTQ+ travelers feel comfortable when arriving to check in at their accommodation.

This validates one of the world’s largest OTA's decision to launch its now popular Travel Proud program. Today, Booking.com has 83,000+ Travel Proud-certified properties in 15,000+ cities and destinations globally.

Booking.com provides complimentary inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to empower them to better understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers and to create an environment where every guest feels truly welcomed—regardless of their background, identity, or whom they love.

The 75-minute Proud Hospitality training is available online and offered in 11 languages at no cost to all Booking.com partners.