WORLD EXPO 2025 host Osaka has set a goal of being “Asia’s most LGBTQ+ friendly destination in Asia” after welcoming nearly 600 travel professionals to the first and largest conference of its type in Asia.
Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau president Hiroshi Mizohata said the city had co-operated with other destinations in Japan to provide pre- and post-convention excursions for delegates attending the 41st IGLTA Annual Global Convention.
The Osaka MICE newsletter reported that posting the event was a “milestone and catalyst” towards the city’s goal of making Osaka’s the most welcoming city in Asia for LGBTQ+ travellers.
“We look forward to welcoming back IGLTA attendees and welcoming anew LGBTQ+ travellers from around the world to Osaka for Expo 2025,” Mizohata said. World Expo Osaka, Kansai gets underway in October.
The October 2024 event was the first time IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) brought its annual convention to Asia and it was the largest to he held outside North America. It was attended by 575 delegates from 51 countries and regions.
Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau launched a “Travel With Osaka Pride” campaign through October with rainbow-coloured posters and videos displayed across the city.
Beyond the main conference and business networking at Swissotel Nankai Osaka, events included an opening reception at Landmark Square with views of Osaka Castle, tabletop meetings with 50 suppliers, a travel-trade expo and an IGLTA pavilion at the city’s annual Rainbow Fiesta with a parade to Ogimachi Park.
Osaka MICE reported that the event saw a significant rise in attendees from Asia. The convention bureau worked with destination partners Sapporo City, Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ishikawa Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Nara Prefecture and Fukuoka Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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“The record attendance to this historic event not only showcases Osaka as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, but also emphasises the rapidly growing LGBTQ+ travel market in the Asia-Pacific region,” the report added.
The host committee comprised Osaka convention bureau, JTB and Out Japan.
Main image… A group of IGLTA attendees gather following the Rainbow Pride march, which this year was held to coincide with the convention
