Geena Rocero guest speaker at LGBTQ+ event with Queer Forty editor
It’s been three years, but finally the LGBTQ+ travel industry will reconvene for PROUD Experiences in New York.
Taking place at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge from June 27-29, this event has established a focus for the sector and a voice for international travel brands, destinations and experiences.
Announcing this year’s event in detail, Simon Mayle, Event Director of PROUD Experiences said: “LGBTQ+ travelers have been waiting to get back and explore the world, see friends and experience something different. Once again, we have curated this next event to be full of ideas and information for travel agents and planners to bring back to their clients around the world. With over 100 exhibitors and many new to the event, we are delighted that our return sees so many dynamic brands. It’s clear this international community is back and stronger than before.”
Several travel industry and media leaders will join forces to talk about the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ travel for the better.
Speaker Geena Rocero, a Filipino transgender Supermodel and social advocate for transgender travel, will join co-host Merryn Johns, Editor-in-chief of Queer Forty along with the BBC’s Ben Thompson, to present featured speakers including Rocero, Kelli Carpenter, and influencers Asian Maple Leaf.
Rocero will tell her story and will touch on the issues, challenges, and opportunities she has faced on her journey as an important and high-profile social influencer with an interest in travel and equality.
As the global visibility of this industry increases, so does the their purchasing power and the opportunities for the travel industry. Research by corporate advisory and asset management company LGBT Capital estimates that the LGBTQ+ sector has a global spending power of some $3.9 trillion. Mirroring this international opportunity, PROUD Experiences is also geographically diverse with countries from Mexico, Germany and South Africa as well as more than 50 cities represented including Los Cabos Tourism, visitBerlin and West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board. New faces include Switzerland Tourism and Toscana Promozione Turistica.
With the hashtag #belongeverywhere, PROUD Experiences is trying to promote equality in hospitality.
A 2021 survey by Booking.com revealed that more than half (53%) of LGBTQ+ travelers have had less-than-welcoming or uncomfortable experiences at a property where they were staying, making PROUD Experiences pivotal to the industry with its daily program of Masterclass sessions. Designed to deliver a dynamic range of inspirational speakers telling personal stories, giving advice on marketing best practices and explaining case studies presenting a real opportunity for the industry to switch up its business strategies.
Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s President & CEO said: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome PROUD Experiences back to New York City this summer. The five boroughs are ready, and attendees can look forward to experiencing our unmatched energy, diversity and welcoming spirit. We can’t wait to showcase our unique appeal and to reaffirm NYC’s position as the ultimate LGBTQ+ destination.”
About PROUD Experiences
PROUD Experiences is an international travel trade event that brings personally curated buyers and suppliers of travel experiences together through a pre-scheduled appointment system. This event will put the spotlight on a market that now deserves its own attention, with a community that spends over US$200billion a year on leisure travel. More information at www.proudexperiences.com.
