LoAnn Halden: “At times when the world becomes more insular, our community also finds ways to grow”

As global tourism navigates political tension and shifting social climates, the LGBTQ+ travel sector continues to expand its reach. Present at ITB Berlin at the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, LoAnn Halden, Vice President Communications for the IGLTA, International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, discussed with TravelMole emerging destinations, rising membership, Asia’s growing role, and how the association supports businesses operating in challenging environments worldwide.

How is LGBTQ+ tourism doing? Are there new countries recently joining IGLTA?

LoAnn Halden – There is a Through our Emerging Destinations & Communities program, operated by the IGLTA Foundation, we actively support small LGBTQ+ businesses in markets that may surprise people. We recruit directly within those destinations because our community exists everywhere. We don’t evaluate membership through the lens of a country’s legislation. Instead, we work with individual businesses and provide support wherever they operate.

For example, some may not expect us to have members in Jamaica or in Uzbekistan, but we do. They are engaged and committed tourism professionals. Our focus is on helping them grow and connect globally.

The world experiences a time of growing radicalization and intolerance. Does that impact your membership?

LoAnn Halden – Our membership is actually increasing. Last year, our Global Convention in Palm Springs welcomed 750 tourism professionals — the largest gathering in our 40+ year history — even though some members were hesitant to travel to the United States. But when the world becomes more insular, our community rallies. We’ve seen this throughout history. The LGBTQ+ community is resilient and comes together when facing challenges.

How do you support members in countries that are less LGBTQ+ friendly?

LoAnn Halden – We are a trade association, not a political lobbying organization. Our primary role is to help businesses succeed through global networking and visibility. By strengthening their commercial success, we help create change through economic impact. We have many destination members and some of them are very new on their journey in LGBTQ+ tourism.

We effectively also do maintain dialogue with destinations — sometimes even behind closed doors — where there may be barriers. If the door is open, we are willing to engage. But those conversations require caution and sensitivity.

Where do you see the strongest growth around the world?

LoAnn Halden – Asia is a major area of growth. In our 40-year old history, we held our first-ever Asian Global Convention in Osaka in 2024, which was a huge success and marked an important milestone. Japan’s engagement with LGBTQ+ tourism has for example grown significantly. Thailand has long been established, but we’re also seeing activity in Vietnam through our foundation programs, and increasing conversations in India. The shift toward Asia is very clear.

And what about the United States?

LoAnn Halden: It’s undoubtedly a challenging time, and we must be mindful every day. But I am optimistic. In fact, these cycles come and go. The LGBTQ+ community is resilient. I am sure that we will come through this period stronger.

LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion- Hall 4.1