Los Cabos Gathers International Leaders to Boost LGBTQ+ Tourism and Strengthen Destination Inclusion
IGLTA hosts the “LGBTQ+ Destination Design Workshop” and its Global Partners Summit in collaboration with the Los Cabos Tourism Board (FITURCA).
Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, September 21, 2026 — Los Cabos is hosting two gatherings organized by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), bringing together tourism industry leaders to drive new collaboration opportunities and reinforce the destination’s standing as an inclusive and diverse region: the “LGBTQ+ Destination Design Workshop, an IGLTA Program” on September 21, and the “Global Partners Summit” on September 22.
The LGBTQ+ Destination Design Workshop, an IGLTA Program, is being held in collaboration with the Los Cabos Tourism Board (FITURCA) with the aim of leveraging the local tourism industry’s potential and contributing to Los Cabos’ positioning as an increasingly inclusive and diverse destination.
The workshop, taking place this Monday, brings together LGBTQ+ tourism specialists, representatives from local LGBTQ+ groups such as CODISEX and TRANS BCS, and international industry stakeholders. Participants will share knowledge, identify opportunities, and analyze strategies to enhance the LGBTQ+ tourism experience and expand the participation of local businesses and service providers.
On Tuesday, the Global Partners Summit will gather representatives from companies and destinations within IGLTA’s global network of strategic partners. Participating Global Partners will include representatives from Belmond, Greater Miami, Delta Air Lines, and Marriott International, alongside special guests from Cedar Rapids.
“Inclusive tourism requires constant effort behind every experience, and Los Cabos is demonstrating what is possible when a destination takes this commitment seriously,” said Anthony Warner (he/him), Interim CEO of IGLTA. “Holding our Destination Design Workshop alongside the Global Partners Summit gives our network the opportunity to collaborate directly with local leaders, share knowledge, and build upon the work already underway in the destination.” According to Gabriel Cardona, Head of Special Segments at the Los Cabos Tourism Board, “fostering dialogue and having increasingly precise information on LGBTQ+ tourism allows us to better understand traveler profiles, habits, and expectations, thereby strengthening our strategy as a destination. Data shows that this is a predominantly young segment with significant international participation and per-trip spending slightly above average. This insight helps us identify opportunities to continue developing experiences and tourism offerings that cater to the diversity of those who choose Los Cabos.”
The agenda also features the participation of IGLTA executives and representatives from various markets—including Mexico, the United States, Colombia, and Europe—bringing an international perspective to the conversation on LGBTQ+ tourism trends, opportunities, and evolution.
Participating IGLTA representatives include Tony Warner, Interim CEO; Virginia Arana, Membership Manager for Mexico; Thomas Chernick, Foundation Director; Allison Mazzeo, Communications Lead; Clark Massad, Vice President of Global Partnerships; and Global Partnerships team members Bruna Degow and Antonella Benedetti.
A global network dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourism
IGLTA is an international association affiliated with UN Tourism that is dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourism, boasting over 14,500 members across 80 countries. Its community comprises LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and accommodations, destinations and tourism promotion organizations (DMOs), service providers, DMCs, travel agents, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, events, and specialized media outlets, among others.
Through its international network, IGLTA works to connect tourism professionals, share knowledge, and promote welcoming, inclusive travel experiences for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hosting these two gatherings in Los Cabos offers an opportunity to strengthen ties between the local tourism industry and an international network of specialized companies, destinations, and professionals, sparking conversations about inclusion, innovation, diversification, and new opportunities for the development of LGBTQ+ tourism.