The
European Travel Commission (ETC) on Tuesday announced a partnership with
the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) as part of an
effort to make sure that Europe is seen as a welcoming destination for the LGBT
community.
The
ETC, an association of 32 European national tourist offices, timed the
announcement to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia,
Transphobia and Biphobia.
“Our
partnership with IGLTA is a pillar in our long-term strategy to enhance the
competitiveness of the European tourism sector,” Eduardo Santander, executive
director of ETC, said in a statement. He added that the commission is “working
closely with its member NTOs to ensure that the European values of equality and
tolerance are reflected in our image as a tourism destination.”
In
light of the new partnership, IGLTA CEO John Tanzella said the
association would be working with the ETC in promoting LGBT-welcoming travel to
Europe.