Travel. Learn. Connect.
We've all learned how much plans can change, but we also know that we have to keep on planning to ensure a successful return for travel and tourism. With that in mind, IGLTA is now accepting speaker applications for the 38th Global Convention to be held at the UNAHOTELS Expo Fiera Milano Milan, Italy 26 - 29 October, 2022.
The Education Committee wants to see pitches that celebrate innovation, champion diversity and feature a global perspective. Help us make our premier educational and networking event more dynamic than ever!
We are very excited to announce the return of Travel Talks as part of the educational content of our 2022 Global Convention in Milan. We value our members and want to see them represented in our program content.
Is there a topic or cause that you’re passionate about that you feel is relevant to the world of LGBTQ+ travel and from which your fellow IGLTA members could benefit? If your answer is yes, we would like to hear from you!
Theresa Belpulsi is Vice President of Tourism for Destination DC. DDC is the capital city’s primary marketing organization and is responsible for the economic health of a $9 billion hospitality industry employing 270,000 individuals in the region. Theresa oversees tourism marketing and sales for the domestic, sports and international markets as well as visitor’s services.
Prior to her 17 year tenure at Destination DC, Belpulsi served as Assistant Director of Tourism of the Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. She was responsible for all domestic leisure sales as well as special events to the city.
Currently, Theresa is Chair of the Board to the regional tourism marketing cooperation, Capital Region USA, Inc. (CRUSA). Additionally, she also sits on the board for a number of tourism organizations including National Cherry Blossom Festival, Cultural Tourism DC and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Foundation. She participates in various arts & cultural tourism activities within Washington, DC and the Region.
A graduate of Georgia Southern University, Theresa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Arts.
John Tanzella is the President/CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel. He has led the association since 2005, overseeing membership expansion to more than 80 countries, a growing staff based in Fort Lauderdale, Washington, DC, Madrid, London, Paris, Sao Paulo, Bogota and Cape Town, and volunteer representatives in 20 countries/regions.
Under his direction, IGLTA took a giant stride forward and established the IGLTA Foundation as a means to both give back and raise the profile of the LGBTQ+ tourism community worldwide. The Foundation focuses on research, education and providing leadership opportunities for future LGBTQ+ leaders in tourism. Leading up to this, IGLTA became the first and remains the only LGBTQ+ organization in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Member program.
John holds an ex-officio seat on the board of directors of both IGLTA and the IGLTA Foundation. Additionally, he serves on several boards including Stonewall National Museum & Archives, and Belmond's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.
Photo by: © 2018, Gene Phillips, Courtesy of ACVB & AtlantaPhotos.com
Clovis Casemiro, IGLTA’s Membership Coordinator-Brazil, visited Atlanta for the first time prior to the pandemic and shares his impressions of IGLTA’s 2021 convention host city.
By John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO, iglta@iglta.org
