IGLTA Foundation names new Chair of India Initiative
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by: Harry Johnson | copyright: eTurboNews – Travel Industry News – World Travel News
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation has appointed Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, as committee chair of the Foundation’s India Initiative. The announcement follows the first-ever IGLTAF LGBTQ+ Tourism Symposium in India, 2 February in New Delhi.
In 2020, the Foundation launched this initiative to better support India as a destination and LGBTQ+ tourism to and from the country, which led to the symposium. The event attracted an audience of 120 engaged tourism and hospitality professionals to discuss topics such as “Best Practices for LGBTQ+ Tourism” and “Creating Inclusive Spaces in India.”
“India is a major destination for international tourism, with great potential to grow the inbound and outbound network to benefit LGBTQ+ travelers and LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses. We are thrilled to welcome Keshav Suri as our new chair of the India Initiative, one of the key projects for the Foundation,” IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella said. “Our projects need engagement from those who represent the communities we’re supporting, and Keshav is one of the most well-connected and outspoken advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in India’s hospitality industry.”
Suri has long been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He was part of the successful petition in 2018 to revoke Section 377, which decriminalized homosexuality in India, and continues to drive progress through his foundation, the Keshav Suri Foundation, which focuses on empowering marginalized communities and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion. Projects include providing free mental health resources and education for the queer community, transgender-specific skill development, and LGBTQ+ job fairs. The organization also works with intersectionality, supporting disabled people and acid attack victims.
“I am humbled on being announced as the Chair for the IGLTA India initiative. With the theme of One World, One Earth, One Family, India is ready to welcome and embrace all with #Purelove,” said Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. “I am confident that our association with IGLTA will enable us to create more safe spaces for all travelers. The growth story of India is only starting, and the ‘Power of Pink Money’ can be a strong contributor to the GDP.”
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