London to Host World’s First LGBTQ Travel Expo in 2018

London, between June 6-8, 2018, will host the inaugural “Proud Experiences LGBTQ+ Travel Expo”, an international event dedicated to the gay community.

“It will be the world’s first dedicated LGBTQ+ travel expo to support the estimated 202-billion-dollar burgeoning high growth and resilient market,” the organizer Reed Exhibitions said in an announcement. Reed Exhibitions is also the organizer of the World Travel Market exhibitions.

The exhibition aims to create a community of like-minded professionals from every corner of the globe, who are both pre-qualified hosted buyers and travel suppliers to do business.

“This unique event will bring together world leaders from travel and lifestyle sectors to throw light on all the opportunities, conversations, debates and provide a real platform to develop business together with creative ideas to better serve and target this fast growing market,” said Reed Exhibitions event manager Gareth Baguley.

The 3-day international B2B event will be staged at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London, and will kick off with a high-powered conference addressing the major issues affecting the sector.

International speakers will be invited to take to the stage to address topics including: The economics and value of LGBTQ+ tourism, LGBTQ+ rights and the dangers of travelling to some countries; the importance of Pride and Circuit parties to the sector; the rise of the Millennial traveler, and the growth of LGBTQ+ weddings and honeymoons.

Proud Experiences will also support an in-depth program of 10 “LGBTQ+ Master Classes” for buyers to attend learning about good business practice and open their mind.

International travel brands already committed to taking part include Intercontinental Hotel Group, Peninsula Hotels, Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, The Curtain, Corinthia Hotels, Principal Hotels, Grand Hotel Lake Tremezzo and Small Luxury Hotels of the World.