For the first time in its 41-year history, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is holding its global convention in Asia.
Tour operators, travel advisors, service providers, social media influencers, destinations, accommodations and many other members from the leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses will meet in Osaka, Japan, Oct. 23-26.
IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella said the annual gathering presents a unique opportunity to engage directly and foster relationships with the Japanese market.
“We aim to strengthen partnerships between local businesses and international operators that will enhance the overall experience for travelers,” Tanzella said. “Events like this provide a platform for best practices, discussing challenges and collaborating on initiatives that promote safer, more welcoming environments.”
Japan offers travelers an abundance of cultural experiences, from soothing onsens in mountain villages to fashion forward Tokyo streets in ritzy districts like Ginza.
You can take the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train, on a high speed journey through the countryside, hike legendary Mt. Fuji or dance the night away in one of Shinjuku-nichome’s many queer clubs.
But what gays and lesbians can’t do in Japan is get married — yet. In March, a ban on same-sex marriage was ruled unconstitutional by courts in Tokyo and Sapporo.
However, the country continues to lag behind most developed nations on LGBTQ rights, said Keita Fukushima, a teacher and chamber orchestra musician from Hamura, Japan.
“In Japan, laws such as same-sex marriage and partnerships are not fully developed or recognized,” said Fukushima. “Same-sex partners are unable to form a family.”
It’s a patchwork of laws, Fukushima noted, where different prefectures and cities recognize same-sex relationships, while others do not.
Tanzella said that while Japan is still evolving on LGBTQ rights, cities like Osaka are leading the way. Japan’s third-largest city, known for its robust array of eateries, is producing a Pride celebration (Rainbow Festa) — complete with a Sunday parade — that coincides with the IGLTA convention.
“Cities like Osaka exemplify a welcoming atmosphere that can serve as a model for inclusivity,” Tanzella said.
Stefen Arestis has experienced that welcoming vibe on three trips to Japan. Arestis is a hunky Greek Cypriot, who, together with his French husband Sebastien Chaneac, own Nomadic Boys travel blog. The couple had nothing but praise for their time in the land of the rising sun.
“As a gay couple, we never faced any issues traveling in Japan,” Arestis said. “At no stage did we ever feel that we needed to ‘hide’ our relationship. None of the hotels or guesthouses we stayed at anywhere in the country took issue with two men wanting to share a double bed. There was never any awkwardness or strange looks about our relationship. All we ever got was warm smiles and a friendly bow. We were never made to feel ‘different’ for being gay.”
An impressive lineup of speakers and programs await convention goers. At last count, 463 attendees had registered.
Speakers include Brian Beall, Director of National Travel and Tourism Office in the International Trade Administration’s Industry and Analysis Unit at the U.S. Department of Commerce and Anne-Sophie Beraud, a senior vice president at the French multinational hospitality company, Accor.
Several American destinations are sponsors, including the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Dan Rios, the bureau’s director of marketing, said the IGLTA’s presence in Japan speaks to the impact of LGBTQ+ tourism.
“For Japan, specifically, there is forward movement in terms of acceptance of the community, as indicated by the recent ruling which allows same sex unions,” Rios said.
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