The need for a World LGBTQ+ Tourism Day is more important now than ever as travelers begin to regain confidence in global travel and tensions and anxieties run high after months, and in some cases years, in lockdown.

World LGBTQ+ Tourism Day is celebrated on August 10 annually. Its goal is to raise awareness worldwide about the importance of LGBTQ+ tourism — its sociocultural and political aspects, economic impact, and employment creation in countries which welcome LGBTQ+ tourists.

The Argentine LGBT Chamber of Commerce (CCGLAR for its acronym in Spanish) seeks to promote inclusive, responsible, sustainable, safe, and universally accessible tourism. OUTvoices agrees with this mission, too! We encourage everyone to participate in this celebration along countries and destinations which respect and foster LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity for their residents and tourists.

2021 Motto

The celebration of the World LGBTQ+ Tourism Day involves ceremonies, statements, and activities with a shared annual theme. This year's theme is “Safer experiences for LGBTQ travelers, a journey towards truly inclusive tourism" in support of the World Tourism Organization's response to the current crisis, highlighting the long-lasting inclusive values of tourism.

Even nowadays, homosexuality is still somewhat criminalized in 1 every 3 countries. In this context, every August 10, representatives from organizations belonging to those countries who welcome LGBTQ+ tourists take action and raise awareness worldwide about the importance of making tourism the most inclusive activity.

Remembering the pioneers

Every August 10 the celebration of the World LGBTQ+ Tourism Day takes place with the goal of remembering those responsible for initiatives which made travelling safer for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans tourists and recognizing those who prioritized respecting diversity within their businesses.

Many people helped shape LGBTQ+ tourism as we know it. However, in 1965, it was Bob Damron who created the first edition of The Address Book. It represented for the LGBTQ+ community what The Green Book meant for African Americans, who have been using said book as a guide through the segregated South of the United States since 1936.

In this way, Damron, pioneer of LGBTQ+ tourism, guided thousands of members of the LGBTQ+ community. He was the bridge that connected them to safe travelling experiences. Thanks to his editions, travelers could arrive at destinations where they would get a warm, genuine welcome.

Follow LGBTQ+ World Tourism Day

Instagram: @lgbtqtourismday - https://www.instagram.com/lgbtqtourismday/

Twitter: @LgbtqDay - https://twitter.com/LgbtqDay

Facebook: @lgbtqtourismday - /p>

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