California Showcases the ultimate playground at IGLTA Global Convention

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s Global Convention brought more than 760 delegates from 31 countries to Greater Palm Springs in October, uniting leaders across tourism, hospitality and media with a shared commitment to advancing safe and inclusive travel worldwide.

Visit California sponsored IGLTA’s Buyer and Supplier Marketplace and energized the meeting space with Ultimate Playground themed activations from San Diego, San Francisco, Greater Palm Springs, Berkeley, Pasadena and Mammoth. The activations offered tour operators and travel advisors a lively taste of California’s playful spirit during their one-on-one appointments. The week also featured educational sessions on LGBTQ+ inclusivity, networking events, a media marketplace and destination excursions.

To maximize the opportunity of having top LGBTQ+ creators and media in California, Visit California hosted a select group on curated road trips across the state. Their itineraries and content highlighted iconic LGBTQ+ hubs along with rural hideaways, outdoor escapes and small businesses that welcome all travelers.

• Michael and Matt of @michaelandmatt explored Northern California on an outdoor and culinary focused road trip through San Francisco, Oakland and North Lake Tahoe. Their adventures ranged from learning about gay history in the Castro to making cheese and butter in Oakland, topped off with a scenic flight over Lake Tahoe with Tahoe Helicopters.
• Karl and Daan of @coupleofmen lived like stars in West Hollywood and Anaheim before winding down in Big Bear for a cozy mountain retreat. Highlights included honoring the community at the AIDS Monument in West Hollywood, hiking and wellness experiences in Big Bear and a visit to the “Big Mouse” in Anaheim.
• Meanwhile, best friends Gabi & Shanna (@27travels), Calum (@calummcswiggan) and Ravi (@raviroundtheworld) embarked on a Los Angeles to San Francisco road trip, stopping in SLO CAL, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Visalia and Monterey County for a classic California Highway 1 adventure. The friends stopped of LGBTQ+ owned businesses, learned more about sustainability and the latino community in Visalia and kayaked with otters in Monterey.

California continues to lead the nation in inclusivity, supported by tourism businesses that create welcoming, joyful experiences for every traveler.