How Attending the IGLTA Convention in San Juan Benefits Every Client

If your travel agent is not attending conventions, going on FAM trips, and tracking the latest trends in travel, what are they doing for you?  As a registered and approved buyer's travel agent, my primary goal is to provide my clients with unforgettable, personalized, and inclusive travel experiences all over the world. To achieve this, I am a member of several travel industry organizations, including the American Society of Travel Agents (“ASTA”) and the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (“IGLTA”).  By attending industry events, I stay in the know about the latest trends, learn about new suppliers and new supplier programs, cultivate better supplier relationships, negotiate exclusive benefits and packages for my clients, and am able to deliver that truly unique once in a lifetime experience at a price that cannot be found online.   

In October, I had the honor of attending the IGLTA’s 40th Anniversary IGLTA Convention in San Juan (#IGLTA40).  With over 700 attendees representing over 36 countries and territories, the convention was a unique opportunity to connect with suppliers and service providers.  I spent time with over 53 travel suppliers that allowed me to customize trips for clients in Turkey, Dubai, San Juan, the Galapagos, Europe, and the continental US.  Establishing relationships with these suppliers, I can now offer my clients exclusive deals, special rates, and unique experiences–ones they could not get on their own, and certainly not at the same price. These connections have enabled me to provide my clients with added value, creating unforgettable vacations that are both enriching and cost-effective.

After the convention, because of the meetings I had with suppliers and representatives of various destinations, I booked new and special trips with Explora Journeys, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Royal Galapagos, Viva Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Azamara Cruises and more.  I also expanded my group land-based vacations I had planned, adding Seoul, Dubai, Osaka, San Juan, Bodrum and Istanbul.   Of course, I also incorporated special weekend getaways to New York staying at the Beekman; San Juan with the Coqui del Mar, OLV Hotel, and the Condado Collection; Miami with Axel Hotels; and Las Vegas with multiple brands.  We even have special trips planned for 2024 to Osaka Pride.  Now, who’s ready to travel? 

In addition to travel trends, travel destinations and time with suppliers, the conference allowed for updates on all areas of travel including safety and legal considerations, which are paramount for all travelers. Attending IGLTA40 allowed me to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and legal developments affecting not only the LGBTQ+ community, but the entire travel community at large. With this knowledge, I can effectively guide my clients toward safe and welcoming destinations and to ensure that they are aware of any potential risks or restrictions when planning their trips. 

I also can help when the world changes in the blink of an eye.  Just recently Israel declared war on Hamas, which resulted in deaths, displacements and many more risks to the community and travelers. Having appropriate travel protection to guard against all emergencies is absolutely essential. 
 
While at IGLTA40, I met with International LifeLine, a critical event and travel risk management company.  This company offers travelers 24/7 Emergency Response services that include medical evacuation and repatriation, rescue from civil and political unrest, and kidnapping and extortion crisis resolution services. International LifeLine’s one-of-a-kind service will deploy a team of highly skilled professionals to evaluate the situation and advise and assist travelers in the resolution of the crisis.  They provide these services via their Response Agency, which is directly appointed by the Lloyd’s of London syndicate, with no out-of-pocket expenses to their client.  This is a far cry from insurance providers who not only require the submission of a claim but may require travelers to pay for services upfront and get reimbursed.  Obviously, I have new recommendations for my clients. And, my clients receive an additional discount on any annual membership they purchase.

In all, the IGLTA convention in San Juan was a transformative experience that has significantly benefited ALL my clients. From expanding my expertise and LGBTQ+ friendly offerings to building valuable relationships and staying updated on safety guidelines, the convention has equipped me to serve my LGBTQ+ clients better. With these newfound insights and resources, I am dedicated to providing inclusive, personalized, and unforgettable travel experiences for all my clients, ensuring their journeys are as unique and vibrant as they are.

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