London to host first ever LGBTQ+ Travel Expo
London will host the inaugural Proud Experiences LGBTQ+ Travel Expo, the world’s first dedicated travel show for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couple market.
Organised by reed Exhibitions, which runs World Travel Market, the three-day international B2B event will be staged at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London, from June 6-8 2018.
It will start with a ‘high-powered’ conference addressing the major issues affecting the growing sector, which is estimated to be worth $202 billion.
Suppliers and buyers will be able to arrange meetings in advance and international speakers will be invited to address topics including LGBTQ+ rights and the dangers of travelling to some countries, the importance of Pride and Circuit parties to the sector, the rise of the Millennial traveller, and the growth of LGBTQ+ weddings and honeymoons.
There will be 10 ‘Master Classes’ for delegates to learn about good business practice, and open their minds on everything from understanding the transgender traveller to China as an emerging LGBTQ+ market.
Reed Exhibition said extensive research of its clients throughout the travel industry unanimously showed this is an event the sector needs and wants.
"The LGBTQ+ community are fighting for something non LGBTQ+ travellers have always taken for granted – the ability for an individual to choose where they feel like they really belong and safely," said Reed Exhibitions event manager Gareth Baguley.
"This unique event will bring together world leaders from travel and lifestyle sectors to throw light on all the opportunities, conversations, debates and provide a real platform to develop business together with creative ideas to better serve and target this fast growing market, and we are excited to launch the event in London next June."
International travel brands already committed to taking part include: Intercontinental Hotel Group, Peninsula Hotels, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, The Curtain, Corinthia Hotels, Principal Hotels, Grand Hotel Lake Tremezzo and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
For a full programme, schedule and to apply for a place go to: www.proudexperiences.com or contact [email protected].
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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