About us
Who we are
ELTA - European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance AISBL is an association based in Brussels which aims to attract LGBTQ+ Tourism to Europe.
The ELTA founding process dates back to Estates General of European LGBTQ+ Tourism which were held in April 2022 at Elfo Puccini Theatre in Milan. Organized by AITGL – National Italian Board for LGBTQ+ Tourism, under the high Patronage of the European Parliament, the event was inaugurated by the mayor of Milan, Bebbe Sala. Based in Brussels and founded by AITGL, ELTA – European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance aims to promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the travel industry, to advocate with European Institutions, support local companies and destinations. It was announced during the 38th IGLTA Convention in Milan by Alessio Virgili, the President of AITGL:
Rights, like democracy and freedom, must never be taken for granted. Many battles of the past have allowed us to achieve success in terms of freedom of abortion, civil rights, euthanasia and others. Often, we had the business world on our side: It’s our responsibility, to use any tool we have, to defend those achievements. Social sustainability is finally a major issue on the agenda of European institutions and finance: the ESG criteria, for example, which address attention to vital challenges. Today, however, unfortunately, we are seeing winds of regression in the field of rights in many parts of the world and never as nowadays we must remain vigilant. It was during the European States General of LGBTQ + Tourism held in Milan last April, attended by over 15 countries and by preventatives of the European Parliament, that it was underlined how, after 70 years from World War Two, we are experiencing the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, as well as the ongoing opposition against gay prides in Western Nations, not to forget what is happening in Bulgaria and Poland, where sovereign oppressive winds are signs that not even Europe is exempt from these risks. We feel the urgency of defending and challenge back possible new winds of prejudice.This is why I am pleased to announce here today, dear friends, that together with a good number of EU tourism bodies, such as Bruxelles CVB and ENIT – Italian national Tourist Board, and on the proposal of AITGL – Italian LGBTQ Travel Association, we have just founded the European LGBTQ + Travel Alliance.”
Show your support to LGBTQ+ community
Show your support to the LGBTQ tourism as an ally who wants to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the travel industry.
Joining ELTA means to be part of a European think tank for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the travel industry all around Europe. CVBs, Associations or Companies can benefit of:
- Be part of the European think tank about LGBTQ + Tourism;
- Having access to DE&I training online;
- Having access to LGBTQ+ Travel market researches;
- Having access to the Estates General of European LGBTQ+ Tourism;
- Having access to advertising discounted rates on European LGBTQ media in partnership with ELMA;
- Using of ELTA’s logo.
Only for CVB’s:
- Can apply to host the Estates General of European LGBTQ Tourism;
- Can apply to host Press/FamTrips;
- Can apply to host a Marketplace.
Who can be an ELTA member
GENERAL MEMBER
CVB’s, Travel Companies and Associations based in the European Union can be General Member and the membership is free.
They have all the rights including to vote and the only obligation is to attend at least one annual online meeting
SUPPORTER MEMBER
CVB’s, Travel Companies and Associations based outside the European Union can be Supporter Member. This is a paid membership.
They don’t have the right to vote.
THEY HAVE ALREADY JOINED US
