ITB Berlin is back as a physical event from March 7-9. And one of the key focus areas this year is LGBTQ+ travel
Following the three-year-long pandemic-induced hiatus, ITB Berlin is back as a physical event from March 7-9. And one of the key focus areas this year is LGBTQ+ travel. According to a press statement, with its slogan “Mastering Transformation”, ITB Berlin is all set to be the convening centre of the international LGBTQ+ travel industry.
The statement adds that the platform for LGBTQ+ tourism will be located in Hall 4.1 and includes a large number of international exhibitors, such as Visit Malta, GNETwork Madrid, and Florida Keys & Key West. A wide-ranging programme will be presented on the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion Stage and at the Diversity & Inclusion track at the ITB Berlin Convention. Visit Malta and Europride Valetta 2023 are this year’s partners presenting the LGBTQ+ Tourism segment at ITB Berlin, suggests the press release.
Numerous LGBTQ+ tourism exhibitors have confirmed their participation at the event, says the statement. Visit Malta, which is hosting this year’s Europride, Communitat Valenciana, that is hosting Benidorm and the Gay Games in Valencia in 2026, Visit Buenos Aires, Visit Tampa Bay, the Munich Tourist Board, and Proudly Portugal are all participating for the first time in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4.1. IGLTA, Tomontour, GNETwork Madrid, Florida Keys, and Key West are more exhibitors. The statement adds that the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion is one of the most significant gathering venues for the global LGBTQ+ tourism community thanks to industry gatherings, press events, presentations, lectures, expert interviews, and panel discussions, continues the press statement.
The statement adds that various networking events, parties and knowledge sharing events are set to be the main attractions in the fair throughout the three-day show where LGBTQ+ tourism experts and trade attendees can network with destination ambassadors and product suppliers. On the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion Stage and at the ITB Berlin Convention, a comprehensive schedule is also in store for LGBTQ+ tourism industry experts.
Diversity & Inclusion track at the ITB Berlin Convention on March 7 will examine trends and discuss challenges. Panel discussions and talks on queer subjects will be part of the Diversity & Inclusion programme at the ITB Berlin Conference. The emphasis will be on gender, equality, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI) and geopolitical dimensions of tourism in addition to a panel on LGBTQ+ travel. Distinguished speakers will discuss initiatives, provide examples from throughout the globe and in every tourism market, and examine tourism critically.
There will also be a discussion on how geopolitical factors affect travel behaviour, with a focus on homosexual travellers, as well as peace and tourism. The first-ever ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award will be presented during the ITB Diversity Gala, which will also feature a silent auction benefiting the IGLTA Foundation.
