Australia’s LGBTQ+ Travel Association, GALTA, will lead a national delegation to the annual IGLTA Global Convention 2025 in Palm Springs this week (21 – 25 October), marking the country’s first-ever coordinated presence at the world’s leading LGBTQ+ tourism event.
“This marks a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ tourism in Australia,” said Andrew Bartholomew, Director of Corporate Partnerships for GALTA. “Our national presence at IGLTA 2025 reflects how strongly our industry is driving inclusive travel and the power of connection it brings. With the support of our state tourism partners, we’re excited to be proudly sharing Australia’s warm welcome with the global LGBTQ+ travel community.”
In collaboration with Destination NSW, Visit Victoria and Tourism and Events Queensland, the unified Visit Gay Australia presence will showcase Australia’s welcoming destinations and diverse experiences to global travel leaders, buyers and media across the three-day convention.
“Destination NSW is proud to stand alongside GALTA and our state counterparts to showcase Sydney and NSW as inclusive, world-leading destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers. From the vibrancy of Sydney Mardi Gras to the many unique regional experiences across the state, we’re excited to highlight the diversity and creativity that make NSW such a welcoming place to visit,” said Destination NSW CEO, Karen Jones.
“Melbourne is a destination that proudly embraces creativity, inclusion and the depth of diverse perspectives. Every bit different and all equally celebrated. We’re genuinely excited to be part of this important national effort through IGLTA 2025, and to continue strengthening our global connections with the LGBTQ+ travel community,” said Kristen Malaby Neer, Regional Manager – Americas, Visit Victoria.
“Queensland’s tourism experiences, from the Great Barrier Reef to Brisbane’s buzzing city scene, are all about genuine hospitality. Joining GALTA’s Visit Gay Australia delegation allows us to connect with partners who share our commitment to inclusion and authentic travel experiences,” said Emma Eddington, Trade and Marketing Coordinator, The Americas, Tourism and Events Queensland.
The delegation will take part in the B2B Buyer/Supplier Marketplace, a dynamic LGBTQ+ Tourism Expo and the Conference program, connecting directly with high-value travel partners and profiling Australia as a warm, welcoming and vibrant travel destination.
The IGLTA Global Convention is recognised as the premier international event for LGBTQ+ tourism, attracting hundreds of delegates from over 50 countries. In 2025, Palm Springs will host travel and tourism leaders, media, and changemakers dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ travel globally.
“Our goal is to elevate Australia’s profile as a leader in inclusive tourism and to build meaningful partnerships that drive visitation, visibility and economic benefit across our incredible destinations and for our national members,” added Louise Terry, President, GALTA.
For more information about GALTA and Visit Gay Australia, visit: www.visitgayaustralia.com.au for details.
Image: Visit Gay Australia (supplied)