Seville Prepares to Host the IGLTA Global Convention From 17 November

Seville is preparing to welcome hundreds of international tourism professionals as the Spanish city hosts one of the world's biggest events dedicated to LGBTQ+ travel.

The 2026 Global Convention of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) takes place from 17 to 21 November, bringing together destinations, hotels, airlines and travel businesses working to make tourism more inclusive.

The five-day gathering at the FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre marks the convention's return to Spain for the first time since 2014. Now in its 42nd year, the event will put Seville and the wider Andalusia region in the international spotlight, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ travellers to the global tourism industry.

Unlike a Pride festival, the convention is designed primarily for tourism professionals rather than the general public. However, the discussions and business partnerships formed during the event could influence the destinations, accommodation and travel experiences available to LGBTQ+ holidaymakers in the years ahead.

What will happen at the LGBTQ+ travel convention?

The programme combines industry discussions, networking events and business meetings, with this year's themes focusing on identity, culture and community. Sessions will explore how destinations can better welcome LGBTQ+ visitors, including gender-diverse travellers and people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Artificial intelligence will also feature in discussions about the future of tourism, alongside inclusive marketing and ways businesses can improve their services. Organisers hope the event will encourage destinations to look beyond simply advertising themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly and consider the experiences travellers have when they arrive.

A major attraction is the two-day Buyer and Supplier Marketplace, where travel companies meet potential international partners through pre-arranged appointments. Last year's marketplace recorded more than 3,485 scheduled meetings, with participating buyers representing an estimated $707 million in tourism business, demonstrating the commercial importance of the sector.

Why has Seville been chosen?

Spain has an established reputation as a popular destination for LGBTQ+ visitors, with cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Seville attracting travellers interested in culture, nightlife and welcoming environments. Hosting the convention gives Andalusia an opportunity to promote its historic cities, coastal resorts and visitor attractions to international travel businesses.

The event is supported by Spain's national tourism agency, Turespaña, alongside the Andalusia Tourism Board and Seville's tourism authorities. Around 700 tourism professionals from more than 40 countries are expected, with regional organisers looking to connect international buyers with up to 50 Andalusian tourism businesses.

Turespaña is also offering a hosted flight programme for up to 75 qualified international buyers, encouraging travel professionals to experience the destination themselves. These visits could help establish new partnerships and increase the visibility of Seville and Andalusia among LGBTQ+ travellers internationally.

What does this mean for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Although the convention is not a public celebration, its influence could extend well beyond those attending. The businesses involved help determine which destinations are promoted, what accommodation is offered and how travel companies approach LGBTQ+ inclusion.

IGLTA's international network includes more than 14,500 LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses and organisations across 80 countries. By connecting these businesses with destinations looking to attract visitors, the association aims to encourage tourism that is both commercially successful and welcoming to diverse communities.

For Seville, the convention offers an opportunity to strengthen its position as an international LGBTQ+ destination while showcasing the city's culture, architecture and hospitality. Travellers considering a future visit can also explore TUI's new summer 2027 routes from Gatwick, including Seville, as airlines expand their Spanish holiday programmes.

When and where is the convention?

The 42nd IGLTA Global Convention takes place from 17 to 21 November 2026 at the FIBES Conference and Exhibition Centre in Seville, Spain.

Registration and the full programme are available through the official IGLTA convention website, with attendance primarily aimed at tourism industry professionals.