The Emerging Destinations & Communities Program (EDC) is a vital initiative that supports LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses and communities in emerging destinations worldwide. These destinations are often overlooked and lack governmental support or infrastructure for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Through the EDC Program, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation provides mentorship, training, and financial support to these emerging destinations and their businesses, empowering them to create safe and sustainable tourism options for the LGBTQ+ community.
Due to the lack of visibility for transgender-run businesses, this program is open to transgender-owned/operated businesses anywhere in the world.
By supporting these destinations and communities, the EDC Program not only helps create new travel options for LGBTQ+ travelers, but also drives economic growth and cultural exchange in regions that may not have had the opportunity to participate in the global travel industry before.
In doing so, the EDC Program is contributing to a more diverse and inclusive travel market, while promoting safety and sustainability for LGBTQ+ travelers and the communities they impact. This program is a powerful way to support the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, and to make a positive impact in emerging destinations that are striving to be more inclusive and welcoming.
The Foundation will offset the annual IGLTA membership fee significantly for these businesses. With your support, we have the potential to increase visibility for LGBTQ+ tourism and make the world more welcoming for queer travelers. Members under this program will receive the same benefits as regular IGLTA members. We've found that emerging members not only have the most to gain from membership but also become great contributors both to the organization as well as pioneering new markets.
Selection of eligible countries for the program
70+ countries currently have laws that allow for the punishment of same-sex activity between consenting adults. The vast majority of these countries are located in Africa and the Middle East. Even worse, 10+ countries allow for those -“crimes” to be punished with the death penalty.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) publishes a series of maps annually that show only 65% of those people living in UN countries around the world can now legally be in consensual same-sex relationships. Those same maps also show where homosexuality is criminalized.
In addition to the list provided by ILGA, we have added few countries where being LGBTQ+ is not prohibited but have a developping tourism infrastructure.