Lesbian and Gay tourism joins WTM Africa

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) recently signed an agreement to become an association partner for World Travel Market Africa (WTM) 2015, a key business-to-business exhibition for Africa’s leisure travel industry. WTM Africa will take place in Cape Town,  from 15 to 17 April 2015, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Through this partnership, IGLTA, the leading global organisation dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) tourism, intends to bring more education, awareness, and visibility to LGBT travel in Africa and help their members better connect with the African tourism industry.

The lesbian and gay travel association said last week “In 2016, IGLTA will hold its Annual Global Convention in Cape Town and this will be the first time this premier educational and networking event will be held in an African city.”
 “Africa has its challenges when it comes to LGBT issues, with many countries promoting anti-gay legislation.
 Our partnership with WTM Africa is a wonderful opportunity to provide much-needed information on LGBT travel to the African tourism industry,” said IGLTA President and CEO, John Tanzella. “Cape Town, well-known as the oasis of gay friendliness in Africa, is a beautiful destination and we’re looking forward to engaging with WTM Africa in 2015 and carrying that relationship forward.”
Managing Director for Thebe Reed Exhibitions, Carol Weaving is delighted to have IGLTA on board for WTM Africa 2015 saying, “We’re looking forward to a successful partnership between IGLTA and WTM Africa this year and beyond.
WTM Africa is an excellent platform to further promote LGBT travel to and from Africa.”
Thebe Reed are the organisers of World Travel Market Africa.   
WTM Africa is a business-to-business travel and tourism event that during its inaugural showcase in 2014, saw an extensive variety of top travel industry exhibitors, international buyers as well as large volumes of trade visitors and industry professionals from around the world.
WTM Africa forms part of Africa Travel Week which comprises three co-located industry events namely International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa, International Business Travel Market (IBTM) and WTM Africa.