Inclusive Journeys: Exploring LGBTQ+ Travel with IGLTA

We’re excited to announce that Arigato Travel has officially joined IGLTA, the world’s leading network of LGBTQ+-welcoming tourism businesses, reaffirming our commitment to inclusive travel in Japan. We’ve shared the full press release here if you’d like to learn more! To celebrate this milestone, we sat down with the IGLTA team to learn more about their work supporting LGBTQ+ travelers around the world, and how their programs and resources can help make Japan an even more welcoming and enriching destination. From safety and equality to authentic cultural experiences, their insights promise to inspire both travelers and tourism businesses alike.

Now, join us for an exclusive interview with the CEO of IGLTA, as he shares the organization’s story, inspiration, and global mission.

Hi, could you start by introducing yourself, your role at IGLTA, and what the organization does for LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide, especially in Japan?

John Tanzella (he/him), IGLTA President/CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). Our organization connects LGBTQ+ welcoming destinations, businesses, and experiences around the world through education and a global network of travel professionals. In Japan, that means working with tourism boards and businesses to highlight the country’s hospitality through an inclusive lens and promote all of Japan’s unique options to LGBTQ travelers.

IGLTA has been promoting inclusive travel since 1983. How has the organization’s mission evolved over the decades, and what makes its approach unique?

IGLTA began as a small group of gay travel agents and guesthouse owners in 1983, based in South Florida and Toronto. It has since grown into a global network spanning 87 countries that also engages ally-led businesses and attracts the support of multinational corporations and global tourism organizations. Over time, our name and mission have evolved to reflect the full diversity of our community. As terminology evolved and grew, we added the “L” for lesbian inclusion in 1997, and, in 2019, became the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association to represent a fuller spectrum of identities.

IGLTA brings together every part of the travel ecosystem: tourism boards, hotels, tour operators, travel advisors, and more, to build inclusion from the ground up. While we are a business association, it’s our sense of community that truly sets us apart.

Just last year, we worked with the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau to host our annual Global Convention in Osaka! This was our first time holding our conference in Asia, where nearly 600 travel professionals representing over 50 countries and territories gathered. At that point, it was the highest-rated convention by our attendees!

How would you describe the kind of experiences and connections travelers can expect when exploring destinations through IGLTA’s network?

Inclusive, authentic, and community-driven. Whether it’s joining a local walking tour, discovering queer-owned businesses, or connecting with LGBTQ+ locals, our members offer something for everyone.

What does it mean for an organization like Arigato Travel to join IGLTA?

When a company like Arigato Travel joins IGLTA, it signals a desire to create affirming experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers. It also connects them to a global network of like-minded professionals who share best practices and collaborate to make our industry more inclusive. And for us, it’s incredibly meaningful to help make those connections possible. Japan is such a revered destination and culture in our community, and it is especially exciting to have Arigato Travel as a member of our network.

We’re excited to be one of your members in Japan. What role do you think local cultural experiences (like food tours or community-based tours) can play in LGBTQ+ inclusive travel?

LGBTQ+ travelers value seeing destinations through a local perspective. Experiences, like those offered by Arigato Travel, that highlight culture through food, art, and daily life, create bridges between visitors and communities. When companies welcome LGBTQ+ travelers with respect, it breaks down barriers and builds understanding, opening hearts and minds along the way.

For travelers looking at Japan specifically, how can they use the IGLTA website to discover inclusive things to do, tours to join, or places to stay?

The Plan Your Trip tab at IGLTA.org is a great place to start. Travelers can search by destination or activity to find IGLTA members offering tours, accommodations, and on-the-ground experiences across Japan. We also have a dedicated Japan travel guide.

For LGBTQ+ travelers visiting Japan for the first time, what are the top tips or resources from IGLTA that you would recommend to ensure a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable trip?

Do your research and book inclusive experiences in advance through trusted networks like IGLTA. Japan offers an incredible mix of tradition and innovation. Being prepared allows you to engage more deeply and confidently.

Our website also features free resources and travel guides to help LGBTQ+ travelers navigate new destinations with confidence.

What trends are you seeing in LGBTQ+ travel in Japan, and how is IGLTA responding to the growing interest from international visitors?

We’re seeing growing interest in Japan’s off-the-beaten-path regions. LGBTQ+ travelers are seeking experiences where they can connect with local life, and are more willing to venture outside major urban hubs.

As interest grows, IGLTA is focused on helping international visitors connect with trusted, inclusive local businesses. By expanding our member network and resources in Japan, we’re making it easier for travelers to explore confidently while supporting companies that welcome our community.

Looking to the future, what exciting projects, conventions, or initiatives are on IGLTA’s horizon for travelers and tourism businesses alike?

We just wrapped our largest Global Convention in IGLTA’s history in Palm Springs!

Looking ahead, we’re preparing for our 4th annual IGLTA Foundation India Symposium held in New Delhi, which continues to build bridges and strengthen LGBTQ+ tourism across Asia and beyond. Additionally, we have an annual regional symposium in Mexico in April.

Finally, is there anything you’d like to share with travelers or tourism businesses about the future of LGBTQ+ travel?

The future of LGBTQ+ travel is bright and centered around connection, visibility, and understanding. We are committed to moving the travel industry toward a world where inclusion is simply the global norm.

Thank you, John, for sharing your passion and insights with us. IGLTA truly embodies the spirit of inclusive travel, and we are thrilled to be part of this inspiring community. It’s a network that encourages LGBTQ+ travelers, allies, and curious adventurers to confidently and openly explore the world with pride.

Read more about IGLTA on:

Website: https://www.iglta.org/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/iglta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iglta

X: https://x.com/iglta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IGLTA/

Featured Photo Credit: IGLTA

Be sure to give our LGBTQ+ Resources Page a look if you want to be up to date on the best ways to travel through Japan as a member of the community!