IGLTA Foundation and ELTA partner for supporting LGBTQ+ Tourism to Eastern Europe
The IGLTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), and the European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance (ELTA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand support for LGBTQ+ tourism with a strong focus on Eastern Europe.
This agreement strengthens efforts to promote safer, more inclusive travel environments through research, education, and targeted initiatives.
ELTA, which organizes the annual European General States of LGBTQ+ Tourism, is now recognized as an official regional partner of the IGLTA Foundation. Together, both organizations will launch initiatives aimed at increasing visibility, access to data, and knowledge-sharing within the travel sector. An upcoming webinar focused on LGBTQ+ safety in Eastern Europe will be among the first joint efforts under the agreement.
“Tourism is one of the most powerful ways we connect across borders,” said TJ Chernick, IGLTA Foundation Partnership Engagement Director. “Research and education are at the heart of the IGLTA Foundation’s mission, and this agreement is part of our ongoing work to advance inclusion across Europe, especially in places where equality remains uncertain.”
“Tourism has strategic relevance in the economic field as a generator of widespread wealth and well-being. We invite European travel businesses to join ELTA and support our collaboration with the IGLTA Foundation. We then can fight common battles together,” said Alessio Virgili, President of ELTA.
Fostering inclusion in Eastern Europe
While parts of Europe continue to make progress in LGBTQ+ rights, inclusion remains inconsistent, particularly in Eastern Europe. In that part of the continent, legal, cultural, and political challenges persist.
In Montenegro, a report from LGBT Forum Progresa found that more than 80% of LGBTQ+ individuals have faced workplace discrimination, though most incidents go unreported due to fear. While in Bulgaria, recent amendments to the education law have effectively banned discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools. The decision echoes legislation previously enacted in Hungary.
But there are encouraging signs of progress. In the Czech Republic, a growing number of companies are adopting inclusive workplace policies. They support same-sex couples, and communicate publicly about their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. However, investment in training and organizational partnerships remains limited. Continued engagement is needed to strengthen inclusion across the region.
This collaboration between the IGLTA Foundation and ELTA aims to help close those gaps by supporting initiatives that expand access to data, training, and dialogue.
Related News Stories: Chicago shines at IPW 2025
TravelMole Editorial Team
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent