Hello! Today, I’d like to introduce John Tanzella, featured in the 118th installment of the “My Philosophy” interview series. As the head of IGLTA (the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association), Mr. Tanzella is actively working to create a world where LGBTQ+ travelers can journey with greater peace of mind. For more details, be sure to check out the interview linked below!
John Tanzella’s Profile
He is the President and CEO of IGLTA, a membership-based association that is a global leader in promoting LGBTQ+ travel and the only LGBTQ+ Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). IGLTA’s network comprises over 13,000 travel-related business members in about 80 countries. Founded in 2012, IGLTA is the association’s philanthropic arm, supporting the travel industry through leadership, research, and education. With 25 years of experience in the tourism sector, Mr. Tanzella currently serves on the board of Tourism Diversity Matters and is a former board member of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. He graduated from the University of Georgia and now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
What Is IGLTA?
IGLTA (the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) is a nonprofit organization whose members include travel industries, destinations, hotels, and airlines around the world. It provides information and networks so that LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy safe and comfortable journeys, and it works to enhance diversity and inclusion throughout the tourism industry.
As the leader of IGLTA, John Tanzella collaborates with tourism authorities and businesses in various countries to advance LGBTQ+-friendly initiatives. Thanks to his accomplishments and contributions, he has gained significant attention both within and outside the industry.
“Empowering LGBTQ+ Travelers Worldwide”
Mr. Tanzella emphasizes the keyword “Empowerment.” Concretely, this entails:
- Providing Safe Travel Information
Sharing up-to-date, region-specific information and support to reduce the challenges and anxieties LGBTQ+ travelers may face on the road. - Educating and Training the Travel Industry
Conducting workshops and lectures for hotels, airlines, and tourism boards on how to welcome LGBTQ+ customers. These efforts prompt industry-wide change in awareness. - Fostering Community Networking
Building partnerships with various organizations and companies worldwide to establish venues where travelers can connect and exchange experiences.
Reflections on the Interview
In the “My Philosophy” interview, you’ll hear how John Tanzella embodies IGLTA’s vision and the concrete plans he has in place. One of the most striking points is his belief that “by bringing people together through travel and fostering mutual understanding, society can move in a more positive direction.”
When travelers experience the joy of encountering new cultures and people, it reduces the space for prejudice and discrimination, thereby expanding a world where everyone can be themselves—an inspiring conviction we can all relate to.
The Future Potential of LGBTQ+ Travel
From a global perspective, the LGBTQ+ tourism market continues to grow year after year. Particularly among younger generations, there’s a rising call for “traveling as one’s true self” and “supporting a society that embraces diversity,” leading to an uptick in related efforts within the travel industry.
Through Mr. Tanzella’s initiatives, more countries and regions are opening up to LGBTQ+ travelers, and as people in the tourism sector actively work to raise awareness, the concept of “travel as a means of self-expression” seems poised to expand even further.
Conclusion
By leading IGLTA, John Tanzella is driving change in many places with the mission of “empowering LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide.” Simply by being mindful of “enjoying yourself in your own way” and “respecting others” when we travel, our experiences can be transformed.
As we aim for a society where more people can safely and freely enjoy their travels, we should definitely keep an eye on IGLTA and Mr. Tanzella’s ongoing endeavors. For the full interview, check the link below!
