In 2020, the Foundation launched this initiative to higher help India as a vacation spot and LGBTQ+ tourism
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation has appointed Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, as committee chair of the Foundation’s India Initiative. The announcement follows the first-ever IGLTAF LGBTQ+ Tourism Symposium in India, 2 February in New Delhi.
In 2020, the Foundation launched this initiative to higher help India as a vacation spot and LGBTQ+ tourism to and from the nation, which led to the symposium. The occasion attracted an viewers of 120 engaged tourism and hospitality professionals to debate matters akin to “Best Practices for LGBTQ+ Tourism” and “Creating Inclusive Spaces in India.”
“India is a major destination for international tourism, with great potential to grow the inbound and outbound network to benefit LGBTQ+ travelers and LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses. We are thrilled to welcome Keshav Suri as our new chair of the India Initiative, one of the key projects for the Foundation,” IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella stated. “Our projects need engagement from those who represent the communities we’re supporting, and Keshav is one of the most well-connected and outspoken advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in India’s hospitality industry.”
Suri has lengthy been a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ group. He was a part of the profitable petition in 2018 to revoke Section 377, which decriminalized homosexuality in India, and continues to drive progress by way of his basis, the Keshav Suri Foundation, which focuses on empowering marginalized communities and selling LGBTQ+ inclusion. Projects embrace offering free psychological well being assets and training for the queer group, transgender-specific talent growth, and LGBTQ+ job festivals. The group additionally works with intersectionality, supporting disabled individuals and acid assault victims.
“I am humbled on being announced as the Chair for the IGLTA India initiative. With the theme of One World, One Earth, One Family, India is ready to welcome and embrace all with #Purelove,” stated Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group. “I am confident that our association with IGLTA will enable us to create more safe spaces for all travelers. The growth story of India is only starting, and the ‘Power of Pink Money’ can be a strong contributor to the GDP.”
