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IGLTA 2024 Global Convention in Osaka, the first-ever in Asia, is the most globally diverse in IGLTA history!

Asia’s first-ever IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) Annual Global Convention took place in Osaka from October 23- 26, 2024 at the Swissotel Nankai Osaka. This global event brought 575 LGBTQ+ travel professionals together to Osaka, which is the highest number of countries and regions represented at a convention in IGLTA’s 41- year history. This is also the largest number of attendees at an IGLTA convention held outside of North America, with a notable increase in attendees from Asia. The record attendance to this historic event not only showcases Osaka as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, but also emphasizes the rapidly growing LGBTQ+ travel market in the Asia-Pacific region. As the host destination, the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) partnered with the IGLTA to make this event a success.

IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella commented, “Bringing our global convention to Osaka has been such an impactful experience, creating new opportunities for our members to build meaningful business relationships in Asia and expanding visibility for LGBTQ+ tourism within the region.”

OCTB President Hiroshi Mizohata expressed contratulations to the IGLTA, and the OCTB's pride at being host to the most globally diverse convention in IGLTA history. Mizohata also stated, “We are thankful to our destination partners including Hokkaido, Tokyo, Ishikawa, Gifu, Nara, and Fukuoka, who helped us promote all of Japan as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination by providing pre- and post- convention experiences for attendees. We look forward to welcoming back IGLTA attendees and welcoming anew LGBTQ+ travelers from around the world to Osaka for Expo 2025.”

Using the IGLTA convention in Osaka as a milestone and catalyst, the OCTB will continue to improve Osaka’s welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ travelers in order to realize our goal of achieving Osaka’s status as the most LGBTQ+-friendly destination in Asia.

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Convention Highlights

Buyer/ Supplier Marketplace

(Wed, Oct. 23 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.)
Buyers and travel suppliers from around the world met at the for a full day of one-on-one scheduled business talks at 50 booths. In addition to the OCTB, the destinations of Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Gifu also had booths, as well as several hotels from across Osaka and Japan.

Opening Reception

(Wed, Oct. 23 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. at the Landmark Square Osaka)
As the host destination, Osaka kicked off the convention with a spectacular Opening Reception. Held on the rooftop of the historic Landmark Square Osaka, the event offered an incomparable view of the iconic Osaka Castle. The evening commenced with a traditional kagami-biraki sake barrel opening ceremony, a symbolic gesture for good fortune. Attendees enjoyed local cuisine, a wide selection of Japanese sakes, and the lively company of local drag queens.

Networking

The IGLTA convention granted opportunities throughout the week to meet, interact, and learn from leaders in LGBTQ+ travel around the world, such as during the LGBTQ+ Tourism Expo and Lunch and the Media Networking events.

Fireside Chat

(Thurs, Oct. 24 at 10:50)
To celebrate the U.S.-Japan Tourism Year 2024, OCTB President Hiroshi Mizohata joined Brian Beal, director of the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office, on stage to discuss inclusive travel in a fireside chat. Moderated by Makiko Healy of New York City Tourism + Conventions, the intimate discussion included talk on the roles that both Japan and the U.S. play and the strategies they implement in providing inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Speaker Sessions

In multiple sessions throughout the convention, LGBTQ+ travel experts shared valuable insights on the latest industry trends and successful case studies, such as the application of generative AI in the rapidly evolving LGBTQ+ tourism business, as well as presentations of the latest data from the IGLTA and other LGBTQ+ tourism experts.

IGLTA Foundation Voyage Fundraiser

(Thurs, Oct. 24 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sumiyoshi Taisha)
The 2024 edition of the IGLTA Foundation’s annual Voyage Fundraiser was held at the historic Sumiyoshi Taisha grand shrine. Beginning with a solemn mugon mairi procession through the shrine to pray for a successful convention and safe travels, the event featured a dynamic performance from the Waidaiko Hiryu taiko drum troupe, as well as an exclusive performance of the traditional renjishi dance by renowned kabuki actors. This year’s theme of Osaka City Nights created a captivating atmosphere of vibrant neon and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The Voyage Fundraiser raised over 80,000 USD, contributing to the IGLTA Foundation’s work in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusive travel.

Breakout Sessions and Workshops

The convention featured multiple breakouts and workshops that dove deep into best practices in LGBTQ+ tourism, with topics such as the wedding market, as well as travelers in the Gen Z , BIPOC, and transgender segments.

Closing Session Handover Ceremony

The final moments of the convention featured a handover ceremony between Osaka and the 2025 convention destination, Palm Springs, California. OCTB President Hiroshi Mizohata took the stage to present a daruma figurine, specially provided by Osaka’s beloved Katsuoji Temple, to Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Great Palm Springs. A daruma is traditionally given in the spirit of wishing for victory or accomplishment, and together on stage the pair wished for a successful 2025 IGLTA convention.

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IGLTA Convention Surrounding Events

To add onto the success of the IGLTA convention and encourage attendees to extend their stay in Osaka, the OCTB worked with local partners to provide even more unique experiences for both IGLTA attendees and the local community.

LGBTQ+ Mix Party

(Fri, Oct. 25 from 9:00 p.m. at Crazyland by Cheval)
To celebrate the end of a successful IGLTA convention and in appreciation of all who came, the OCTB hosted a party at a nightclub nearby the host hotel in the Shinsaibashi district. Open to both IGLTA attendees and the general public, the party featured special performances from transgender singer and entertainer Ai Haruna and internationally active dancer Kento Mori, as well as gogo boys and drag queens.

Rainbow Festa! 2024

(Sat and Sun, Oct. 26- 27 at Ogimachi Park)
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2024 edition of Osaka’s Pride event, Rainbow Festa, was specially planned to coincide with the IGLTA convention. This year’s event saw a record 64,000 visitors during its two-day run, with nearly 3,700 people walking in the second day’s Kansai Rainbow Parade. Along with stage performances from popular local celebrities, this year featured a special IGLTA Pavilion with many IGLTA-related organizations taking part with a booth, including destinations across Japan. The 2025 World Expo mascot, Myaku-myaku, also made an appearance.

OPULENCE

(Sun, Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Zepp Namba)
Japan’s greatest international drag queen show, Opulence, made its way to Osaka for the very first time. Featuring exciting performances with vibrant visuals from local talent from Japan, this edition of Opulence was also headlined by famous Drag Race alumni Jaida Essence Hall, Precious Paula Nicole, and current reigning champion Nymphia Wind.

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Travel Osaka with Pride Campaign

In part of the preparation for the IGLTA convention, the OCTB launched the "Travel Osaka with Pride" campaign throughout the month of October to welcome both IGLTA attendees and LGBTQ+ travelers as a whole. Together with local partners, the OCTB displayed rainbow-colored posters and videos across Osaka, with the support of shopping arcades, department stores, railways, airports, and more across the region. These visuals painted the entire city rainbow and highlighted Osaka as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination.

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About the IGLTA

IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, was founded in 1983 and is the world's leading network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses. The IGLTA provides free travel resources and information while continuously working to promote equality and safety within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide. IGLTA’s members include LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations, transport, destinations, service providers, Travel Advisors, tour operators, events and travel media located in over 80 countries. Their annual convention is the world's premier LGBTQ+ travel event, and the Osaka convention marked the 41st edition.

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