February 8, 2018 

Reed Travel Exhibitions launches new 3-day international event dedicated to the LGBTQ+ international travel industry 

A new international B2B event dedicated to LGBTQ+ travel and leisure has been launched by Reed Travel Exhibitions and will take place in London from June 6-8 this year called PROUD Experiences.

International in flavor and curated to bring buyers and suppliers of travel experiences together through a pre-scheduled appointment system, this event is designed to put the spotlight on a market that deserves its own attention.

Recognizing the commercial and unique value of networking in such an intimate setting, some of the world’s top travel brands have been quick to sign up including: Grand Hotel Tremezzo, SLH, Belmond, Peninsula, Conrad, Waldorf Astoria, IHG, ME by Melia, Visit Malta, Valencia Region, SET Hotels, The Muse Collection, AVRA Tours, Soneva, One Fine Stay, Corinthia London, Nobu Shoreditch, The Curtain and Principal Hotels.

International buyers focused on booking travel for their LGBTQ+ clients will be attending from all over the world with agencies such as Zoom Vacations, Out of Office, Frosch, PHD Travel, Bon Vivant and Superviagem confirmed to attend.

The LGBTQ+ travel industry is both economically significant and resilient, with research from Out Now showing that even in times of downturns the gay community still spends money on their holidays and travel in general.

“As the world’s biggest creator of travel industry events and exhibitions we were not surprised when research confirmed that its time to pay attention to LGBTQ+ markets as they grow exponentially every year. Developing this first event which will take place in London, PROUD Experiences will bring out the issues, opportunities, solutions and debates that surround this demanding sector”, said Show Director Gareth Baguley.

Dealing with the attitudes, challenges, and opinions that face same sex couples and bisexual/transgender travellers will be at the heart of a Masterclass series of workshops, presentations and debates. Each session will be open to buyers and suppliers to participate in and contribute to throughout the event.

Some of themes being addressed this year include: a look at the contradiction that is the Asian LGBTQ+ market asking the question: how open for business is it - particularly now the Gay Games has been announced to be taking place in Hong Kong in 2020; the business case for Pride and the growing number of Circuit parties asking the question are they driving up the numbers of total LGTBQ travellers; servicing the LGTBQ customer with insights from some of the best travel brands who have excelled in this area; lessons on marketing to LGTBQ customers from brands outside of the travel industry; transgender travel issues - and a look at emerging markets and new travel products aimed at the sector.

The programme of speakers will soon be announced that will represent key sectors that operate in the LGBTQ+ sector including: destinations, cruise companies, media, travel buyers and marketing experts. These industry leaders will cover the key LGBTQ+ essentials, shining a light on the latest trends that are driving growth in the sector, which is now valued at more than $211 billion (Data source: Out Now Global LGBT2030 Study).

The Saatchi Gallery is the PROUD Experiences venue and provides an “innovative forum for contemporary art, presenting work by largely unseen young artists and those whose work has rarely or never exhibited in the UK”.

Show Director Gareth Baguley added: “PROUD Experiences will be both innovative and inspiring assisted by being hosted in the intimate and creative environment of The Saatchi Gallery – one of London’s top cultural attractions. Not only do we expect our exhibitors to do great business but we hope to highlight the important issues facing the LGBTQ+ traveller and travel provider alike.

“We hope this show will break down the barriers that sometimes make it difficult to ask those all important questions about LGBTQ+ travel. By bringing the world’s biggest tourism brands, destinations, products and services together with highly qualified buyers from the biggest source markets around the world – not only do we plan to provide an environment to do great business but to help this burgeoning industry mature even further”.

Ian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Out Now commented: “Out Now has worked with Reed Exhibitions for 15 years to advance the travel industry’s insights and success from the LGBT travel market. Our LGBT2030 research program shows the market is now valued at more than USD$211 billion in annual spend globally and this research also shows how important it is to deliver product in ways that understands and responds to quite unique LGBTQ+ travel needs. We are delighted our Out Now Business Class networking platform for the global travel industry is partnering with Reed Exhibitions as it brings PROUD Experiences to London this June."




More information?        Visit: www.proudexperiences.com

Event:  PROUD Experiences
Dates:  June 6 - 8, 2018
Venue: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Rd, Chelsea, London, SW3 4RY, United Kingdom