LGBT guests are in demand and the destinations that make the effort are in competition to be top choice for the LGBT traveller.

The inaugural International Travel & Tourism Awards will showcase two of the very best LGBT destinations out there after they were carefully selected by a panel of expert judges.

Ian Johnson, CEO, Out Now LGBT Consultancy and head judge for this category commented: “LGBT travel is a very dynamic part of the market. The LGBT traveller is looking for a mix of products but they are also looking for what is new and what is next. I think that’s where the industry is doing some great work and that was reflected in the entries that we’ve judged.”

The winner of the category will be announced to an audience of more than 500 leading industry figures during a glamorous awards ceremony at London’s Grade I-listed Tobacco Dock, not far from WTM London’s ExCeL venue (Tuesday 6 November).

• Geotourist’s, LGBT Tour of Capitol Hill celebrates the diversity and history of the LGBT community in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood and guides visitors to points of interest using a GPS-led app.
  The flexible tour was the first of its kind for the AARP and for the state of Colorado. It put the area on the map for being a friendly open place for this demographic and brought people of all creeds, backgrounds and ages together across the world.
  It reflected AARP values, “empowering people to choose how they live as they age” and offered true independent travel. Bringing old stories onto a modern platform that could be accessed by all, this project allows for this history to be preserved and retold for generations to come.
  Shaon Talukder, CEO, Geotourist commented: “For Geotourist, being short-listed for this category, is a wonderful achievement towards our grand mission of building an inclusive and accessible audio-map of the world, where we share human stories from communities of all backgrounds in one place so that we can begin to understand and connect with each other.”

• With Israel already a popular and friendly destination for the LGBT tourist, the Israel Tourist Office were looking at ways to reach this audience of varying touristic tastes and compete with the emerging markets in this region. They devised an innovative marketing campaign ‘two cities one break’ that gave Israel the opportunity to showcase Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, two regions both different and unique.
  Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, Director, Israel Government Tourist Office commented: “We are very pleased to have been shortlisted for Best in LGBT at the first International Travel & Tourism Awards this year. We are proud of Israel’s inclusivity and diversity and truly believe Tel Aviv is the ideal destination for the LGBT traveller, offering the perfect holiday full of amazing culture, nightlife, food and warm welcoming people.”

The awards were co-chaired by Marcelo Risi, UNWTO Chief of Communications, and Nick Pilbeam, Reed Travel Exhibitions Director. Expert judges were drawn from top industry organisations including London & Partners, Euromonitor International, public relations body PRCA, Global Wellness Institute, Association of Southern African Travel Agents, and LGBT consultancy Out Now.

To book your table at the International Travel & Tourism Awards, please visit https://awards.wtm.com/