Fort Lauderdale, FL (6 April, 2011)The Annual Global Convention of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association is not only the gay travel industry's premier networking and educational event, but also an opportunity to salute individuals and companies that have helped to make the world a more welcoming place for LGBT travelers.
IGLTA's gala dinner in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 14 May features two award presentations selected by the Board of Directors:
· The Hanns Ebensten Hall of Fame Award: Charlie Rounds, President of Forward Motion Travel, former President of RSVP Vacations, and a 25-year veteran of the travel industry
· The Chair Award: Gina Gatta, President of the Damron Company, America's first publisher of LGBT travel guides
The IGLTA Honors will be presented during the 12 May convention luncheon to recognize leaders in LGBT tourism across a wide range of categories:
· Community: Nicki Grossman, President, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau — Since taking the role as CVB President in 1995, Grossman has been a driving force in her support of the LGBT market, making her one of the first tourism leaders in the state to court gay travelers.
· Innovator: SAS Scandinavian Airlines "Love is in the Air" Campaign — Launched on Sept. 1, 2010, it quickly became one of the year's most globally discussed social media campaigns. Couples competed to become the first same-sex couple to wed in the air on an SAS flight from Stockholm to NYC.
· Networking: ABRAT GLS (The Brazilian Association for Gay & Lesbian Tourism) — Founded in 2004, the organization has grown from 11 members to more than 140 tourism businesses, and hosts conferences, trade shows, and workshops. ABRAT GLS signed strategic agreements in 2010 with the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism to further develop LGBT tourism in Brazil.
· Corporate Partner: American Airlines — For more than a decade, AA has been a pioneer in fair-minded policies for its LGBT employees and customers. This longtime IGLTA supporter was the first major airline to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits and to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its workplace non-discrimination policies.
· Pioneer: David Ryan, CEO Rhino Africa Safaris and founder of its gay subsidiary, Out2Africa — Passionate about using tourism to uplift local communities and conserve wildlife, Ryan started Challenge4aCause to raise money through cycling challenges in Africa. Events benefit the Save The Rhino Trust, the Wildlife ACT Fund, and the Good Work Foundation.
For high-res photos/logos from the award recipients and other award information, contact loann@iglta.org .
IGLTA is the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses in the LGBT tourism industry. Its membership spans more than 85 countries and consists of accommodations, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, destinations, media and other key players in the tourism industry. IGLTA was founded in 1983. For more information, visit www.igltaconvention.org and follow us at www.facebook.com/iglta, www.twitter.com/iglta, and www.foursquare.com/iglta.