Avis Announces GLBT Discount

Avis recently announced the company has entered into a three-year partnership with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association that provides gay travelers with discounted car rentals.   ”Avis leads the industry in its commitment to the gay and lesbian community,” says IGLTA President & CEO John Tanzella. “We encourage all travelers to use the discount booking code to get the best rates and reciprocate Avis’s show of support.”

The Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number B450300 provides savings of up to 25 percent on global rentals.  Avis is currently the only car rental company to hold a top-tier partnership in IGLTA, the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses in the LGBT tourism industry.

Avis has long supported the GLBT community as evidenced by the print ad above.  The company has also sponsored gay film festivals across the U.S. and donates regularly to GLAAD.  Additional details of this offer can be found at www.avis.com/iglta.  IGLTA member travel agents will receive commissions when using the Avis discount code.

GayComfort Offers Online Training For Hospitality Professionals

Earlier this week I posted a story about one gay couple’s nightmarish experience at a Mexican resort that was supposed to be “gay-friendly.”  It turns out the Gran Melia resort was anything but gay-friendly, and the staff made it perfectly clear they had no desire to accommodate gay guests.  However, hospitality industry professionals who would like to serve GLBT consumers should check out GayComfort.

GayComfort is an innovative online training, accreditation, and marketing program created by leading GLBT consulting firm Out Now in cooperation with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.  The program is intended for staff at hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies across the world looking to improve the quality of service delivered to the gay and lesbian consumer market.

GayComfort comprises a suite of online training knowledge for staff working in the travel industry worldwide. It covers key areas of gay travel concern such as appropriate terminology, debunking stereotypes and provides practical tips on how staff can make their lesbian and gay customers feel comfortable being themselves.

IGLTA Convention To Be Held June 23-27 In Antwerp

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) will hold its Annual Global Convention in Antwerp June 23-27.  The event has grown to become the world’s leading GLBT tourism conference and will provide priceless networking and educational opportunities for those wishing to enter or further their presence in this market.

The convention itinerary includes press conferences, spouse and partner tours, educational sessions, media trade show, consumer trade show, gala dinner, and numerous networking parties and events.  Registration for the convention is still open, and this year’s event will be held in conjuction with Antwerp’s Gay Pride celebration.  For more information, including an event itenerary, visit http://www.igltaconvention.org/