Global program supports development of future leaders in LGBTQ travel
The IGLTA Foundation is offering scholarships to attend the 35th Annual Global Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association in Toronto, 9-12 May 2018. Now in its sixth year, the Building Bridges Scholarship Program was created to support the next generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tourism professionals.
The program will cover travel to Toronto as well as accommodations and conference registration for the four-day event. The scholarships are available to students enrolled in a tourism-related program or LGBTQ small business owners in destinations without a well-established LGBTQ tourism infrastructure.
“The IGLTA Foundation places a great degree of focus and support on our Building Bridges Scholarship Program, as we feel that this is a pivotal cornerstone to building future leaders in LGBTQ tourism,” said Gary Murakami, CMP, CMM, Chair of the IGLTA Foundation Board. “Deserving students and emerging business professionals passionate about LGBTQ tourism that attend the IGLTA convention will be provided an unparalleled opportunity to receive critical learning and to access community leaders advancing LGBTQ global tourism.”
Scholarship recipients participate in all convention networking and educational sessions, ensuring they return home with the resources to further their careers and build their businesses. Previous scholarship winners have come from Brazil, Colombia, China, Curacao, Jamaica, Japan, Liberia, Norway, Peru, South Africa, Suriname and the United States.
“The people I met, the conversations I had, the networking at the convention was quite astounding. The level of love that comes from this organization is truly amazing,” said 2017 small business scholarship recipient Michael Gladwin, owner of 7th Element Experiences in South Africa. “I’m looking forward to taking what I’ve learned and building my business into something substantial.”
To apply online before the 1 December deadline, please visit iglta.org/convention.
A special thank you to Delta Air Lines, the founding partner of the Building Bridges Scholarship Program, for their ongoing support.
About IGLTA & IGLTAF
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association is the leading member-based global organization dedicated to LGBTQ tourism and a proud Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The IGLTA Foundation supports the mission of IGLTA and its membership with a focus on education, research and developing future leaders in LGBTQ tourism. IGLTA membership includes LGBT and LGBT-friendly accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 70 countries. For more information: iglta.org or iglta.org/foundation and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iglta.
