Mexico to Promote LGBT Tourism in 2020 says Secretary of Tourism

Mexico to Promote LGBT Tourism in 2020 says Secretary of Tourism. In March 2019 at ITB,  Queer Destinations, IGLTA and the Mexican Government signed a letter of intent to promote LGBTQ+ tourism in the country. At FITUR 2020 held January 22-26, 2020 in Madrid, Mexico Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco Marques announced the first part of the stategy is based on a certification program that as already started in Yucatan and Mexico City. So far hotel chains such as Hyatt, Meliá and Axel, as well as as tour operators, travel agencies, transport companies have expressed interest in being certified so that their staff adopts international standards in LGBTI travelers’ care in Mexico.

 

Throughout 2020 there will be training companies within the tourism industry in over 20 destinations. According to Oriol Pamies, founder of of Queer Destinations, “Puerto Vallarta is included in the 20 destinations to be promoted in Mexico and more information about Puerto Vallarta will be released soon. The promotion of Mexico as a friendly destination is key, both for the economic development of the country and for the advancement toward a society full of diversity and tolerance. We are very excited to be part of the tourism plans announced by the Government of Mexico for the coming years.”

 

 

Mexico Secretary of Tourism Marques, recognized the importance and potential of the LGBT market for the development of tourism in the country over the coming years. “Mexico’s diverse destinations present a wealth of opportunities for travelers, so we are pleased that the government is strengthening its commitment to helping LGBTQ+ travelers feel safe and welcome to explore its many charms,” said John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO. “We look forward to a successful partnership that grows and enhances tourism throughout this beautiful country.”

 

IGLTA will provide its proven experience in the development of this market in other countries and will make available best practices so that destinations and service providers will attract the greatest number of tourists.

 

As part of the FITUR 2020 IGLTA and Queer Destinations Fair, it was presented the LGBT STRATEGY OF MEXICO, and had the presence of:

Oriol Pamies, Founder of Queer Destinations

Felipe Cárdenas, Member of the board of directors of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)

The main goal was:

– Present Mexico’s strategy for the LGBT + segment.

– Public recognition to the States of Mexico for being the first to adopt the strategy.

 

The strategy consists of:

– Sensitize and train hotels and service providers of destinations.

– Develop specific products for this segment.

– Adaptation to the latest digital promotion trends.

– Creation of international alliances.

 

• On March 8, 2019: a letter of intent was signed to promote the LGBT market (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual) in conjunction with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and Queer Destinations at the ITB fair in Berlin.
• On April 8, 2019: an agreement was signed between SECTUR and International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and Queer Destinations during the tourism “tianguis” (fair), in order to support the states and promote the consolidation of tourism products .
• In collaboration with the tourism secretaries of the country, Queer Destinations is carrying out a first phase of training for tourism service providers in order to ensure that the visitor can enjoy quality tourist services.
• We also have online training courses that are taught by CONAPRED and that we communicate through our links of each estate. Check the Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco and the Promotion Trust of Puerto Vallarta, to know about the programs they have specifically in the state.
• For Tianguis Turístico we are bringing 7 Hosted Buyers specialized in the segment so that tour operators and service providers have the opportunity to close business in this event.