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– This important destination proved once again that it is an international benchmark in the segment .

– The World’s Friendliest City was a major player among LGBTQ+ world leaders

Puerto Vallarta successfully concludes its participation during the IGLTA Annual Global Convention, the main worldwide convention of the LGBTQ+ tourism sector, which this year took place in Milan, Italy, where more than 550 delegates from 39 countries gathered, in which this important tourist city once again positioned itself as one of the main destinations for the community at an international level.

Global leaders in the LGBTQ+ community gathered for four days to provide information and resources for travelers and expand the sector’s tourism worldwide, demonstrating its significant social and economic impact.

IGLTA’s (The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) global network includes 12,000 lodging sites, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and media focused on LGBTQ+ travel in more than 80 countries, with Puerto Vallarta being one of the main members of this community.

Puerto Vallarta has positioned itself as a tourist paradise of inclusion, respect and hospitality for the entire LGBTQ+ community, and during this event, we sought to strengthen ties with the professionals of this industry and continue to encourage sales of this outstanding market during all seasons, comparable to those registered during Vallarta Pride, held in May, which represents in Mexico the starting signal for the Gay Pride celebrations.

During the first day of activities at the IGLTA Annual Global Convention, held at the UNA Hotels Expo Fiera Milano, Puerto Vallarta participated in the event’s Marketplace, where it made more than 30 pre-established one-on-one appointments with tour operators, travel agencies, travel consultants and specialized media from important markets such as the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. At the end of the first day, a welcome cocktail was held at the Sforzesco Castle, to provide a special celebration for all the guests and to encourage networking among the different stakeholders.

In the following days of the event, workshops and conferences were held on responsible tourism, governmental and cultural challenges, marketing strategies based on new trends in the LGBTQ+ market, inclusion of transgender and non-binary people in hospitality, among other topics. Puerto Vallarta was also a sponsor of two informative sessions (where great brand visibility was achieved and promotional material was distributed). Finally, we participated in the Media Networking, an event in which we interacted with content creators, influencers, among other media specialized in the segment, and also shared information about the destination and possible collaborations.

In each action, it was emphasized that Puerto Vallarta is the only Mexican destination with a “gayborhood” or also known as the Romantic Zone, which has more than 70 establishments that include hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, boutiques, spas and cafes, among other spaces designed to meet the expectations of the segment in a safe and welcoming way.

The privileged location, biodiversity, climate and paradisiacal beaches were also highlighted. Likewise, each one of the travel specialists talked about the variety of events that take place during the year, including the Nuestro Orgullo festival within the framework of Vallarta Pride, among other events such as BeefDip Bear Week or Bearadise, as well as the great gastronomic offer and the more than 50 unique outdoor activities that can be carried out in the destination.

They also mentioned the excellent connectivity with the main cities in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe and South America, which benefits travelers from all over the world to visit the Friendliest City in the World with great ease.

Once again it was proven that Puerto Vallarta is a tourist reference for the LGBTQ+ community at an international level, being a very well known and loved city. This positioning dates back to 2013, when the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board designed a specific campaign to promote the segment hand in hand with leading associations such as GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis) and Marriage Equality. This collaboration resulted in Puerto Vallarta becoming the first Mexican destination to become a member of the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association.

It is important to note that Puerto Vallarta has received multiple awards from organizations and media worldwide, positioning it as the leading destination in Latin America in LGBTQ+ tourism and named as the second most important international beach destination for the gay community, after Tel Aviv in Israel.

Once again Puerto Vallarta demonstrates its leadership as a tourist destination for the LGBTQ+ community, being a segment that chooses it every year to spend an extraordinary vacation in an inclusive environment that can only be found in this port of great natural beauty.

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