After successful completion of first LGBTQ+ symposium in India, organised by IGLTA, the organization has named a prominent activist-businessman as Chair of India Initiative.

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation has appointed Keshav Suri, Executive Director of the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, as committee chair of the Foundation’s India Initiative. The announcement follows the first-ever IGLTAF LGBTQ+ Tourism Symposium in India, held earlier last week in New Delhi.

According to a press statement, the appointment was made in conjunction with the LGBTQ+ travel foundation’s successful symposium in New Delhi with the goal of further expanding LGBTQ+ tourism outreach in India

In 2020, the Foundation launched this initiative to better support India as a destination and LGBTQ+ tourism to and from the country, which led to the symposium. The event attracted an audience of 120 engaged tourism and hospitality professionals to discuss topics such as Best Practices for LGBTQ+ Tourism and Creating Inclusive Spaces in India.

“India is a major destination for international tourism, with great potential to grow the inbound and outbound network to benefit LGBTQ+ travellers and LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses. We are thrilled to welcome Keshav Suri as our new chair of the India Initiative, one of the key projects for the Foundation,” says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “Our projects need engagement from those who represent the communities we’re supporting, and Keshav is one of the most well-connected and outspoken advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in India’s hospitality industry,” Tanzella adds.

The statement adds that Suri has long been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He was part of the successful petition in 2018 to revoke Section 377, which decriminalised homosexuality in India, and continues to drive progress through his foundation, the Keshav Suri Foundation, which focuses on empowering marginalised communities and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. Projects include providing free mental health resources and education for the queer community, transgender-specific skill development, and LGBTQ+ job fairs. The organisation also works with intersectionality, supporting disabled people and acid attack victims.

“I am humbled on being announced as the Chair for the IGLTA India initiative. With the theme of One World, One Earth, One Family, India is ready to welcome and embrace all with #Purelove. I am confident that our association with IGLTA will enable us to create more safe spaces for all travelers. The growth story of India is only starting, and the ‘Power of Pink Money’ can be a strong contributor to the GDP,” says Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.