IGLTA and 1^st World Outgames Montréal 2006 Partnership

Montréal, 31 January 2006 – The IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) and the 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 announced today a formal partnership between the two organisations, aimed at continuing to build their ongoing collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship. The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 has been a member of the IGLTA for the past two years, during which time the organisations have developed a strong partnership and cooperated on projects. At the invitation of John Tanzella, Executive Director of the IGLTA, the 1st World Outgames will become an official partner allowing both organisations to promote their services and events, as well as promote gay travel as a whole. Montréal 2006 also works closely with Tourisme Montréal and Official Travel Partners around the world who are IGLTA members.

“We are proud to partner with the largest LGBT sport and cultural event in history. The Outgames will attract 16,000 participants from more than 120 countries,” said Tanzella. “More than 250,000 visitors will travel to Montréal for a memorable week of sports and festivities in a city known the world over for its ‘joie de vivre’ and nightlife, all in a safe and friendly, European setting.”

“With already 9,480 registered,” explained Ms. Louise Roy, CEO of the Outgames, “and an impressive number of partners, notably the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec, the City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal, an active member of IGLTA, along with numerous sponsors and a solid team in place, we now know that we will reach our objectives at all levels.”

The 1st World Outgames Montréal 2006 Organising Committee is a not-for-profit organisation. The Outgames will be held from 26 July to 5 August 2006 with more than 16,000 participants in the sport, cultural and International Conference programmes. Opening and Closing ceremonies with the Cirque du Soleil will cap off the activities, which are open to all.

“IGLTA invites the world to come and partake in this international event this summer,” said Tanzella. “Montréal is already a preferred destination for gay and lesbian travelers and we are looking forward to helping support the city.”

Founded in 1983, IGLTA is the world's leading travel trade association committed to growing and enhancing its members gay and lesbian tourism business through education, promotion and networking. IGLTA headquarters are in South Florida, with Sales representation in Sydney, Chicago, London, Barcelona, Cologne and Rio de Janeiro. The 2006 Annual Convention is being held in Washington, D.C., May 25-29.

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