Second annual Building Bridges Scholarships support the future of LGBT tourism
The IGLTA Foundation announced today it is offering five scholarships to attend the 31st Annual Global Convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association in Madrid this May. Now in its second year, the Building Bridges Scholarship program was created to support the next generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travel professionals.
This year’s program will provide all-expense-paid trips to Madrid including conference registration for three hospitality/tourism students, one individual representing a small travel business, and one individual representing a destination or event in an emerging LGBT market.
“We are thrilled to once again offer this exciting opportunity to young people with a passion for LGBT travel,” says Gregg Kaminsky of R Family Vacations, the IGLTA Foundation board member who is chairing the scholarship selection committee. “It’s a chance for them to meet some of the leaders of our community and also explore the great city of Madrid.”
Scholarship recipients will participate in a mentoring and orientation program on May 7; attend the convention May 8-10, where they will attend educational sessions and meet fellow travel professionals; and take in the sights of Madrid on May 11.
Applications are due March 19.
The program is open to applicants worldwide. Last year’s recipients hailed from Brazil, Liberia, Peru, Suriname and the U.S.
“Back in Africa, it’s hard to talk about these issues,” says Teddy Frank, the 2013 scholarship recipient from Liberia. “I was excited to have one week with people of my kind and [hear] their stories and experiences.”