Luxury LGBTQ Travel Event Returns to the Bahamas for 2025
PROUD Experiences returns with a dedicated PROUD Gathering at ILTM North America, continuing its mission to expand inclusion and belonging in the luxury travel sector.
Taking place on Monday, 6 October 2025 at Baha Mar, Bahamas, this two-hour forum brings together changemakers, visionaries and industry leaders to explore critical issues in LGBTQ+ travel through engaging interviews, thought leadership and practical guidance.
Mallory Orlov, a travel advisor from Travel Edge summarized the views of many of the elite travel planners attending this year’s event: “The connections I make and insights I gain when I attend ILTM North America have directly contributed to the strength and growth of my business. ILTM has not only broadened my network, it has also elevated the way I work.”
Simon Mayle, ILTM North America Event Director observed: “The craft of luxury hospitality is a special one. With international travel forecasted to grow the fastest within the leisure travel sector, many savvy brands are looking to highlight the exceptional new launches and travel spaces they are curating for wealthy travelers from Canada, Mexico and the US at ILTM North America.”
With recent reports revealing that global spending on leisure travel is expected to triple from $5 trillion in 2024 to $15 trillion in 2040, ILTM North America 2025 is proving to be a focus for travel brands and experiences from all four corners of the world, to position new hotels and extraordinary experiences to the agents representing the wealthiest of travelers across North America.
The exceptional experiences profiled at ILTM North America include several across South East Asia including the luxury El Nido eco-resorts in northern Palawan, Philippines, Kap Karoso in Sumba, Indonesia and Dunia Baru, a phinsi superyacht available for private charters. Spanning the world, they are joined by resorts such as Manoir Hovey, a luxury lakeside retreat in Quebec, Royal Davui Island, Fiji, the soon to open Roki Collection on the banks of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand and the luxury alpine resort of St Moritz.
Destinations from Costa Rica, Cayman Islands, Mendoza and Hawaii through to Meribel, Austria and Japan will also participate as well as some of the world’s leading luxury brands: Accor Luxury & Lifestyle, Belmond, Hilton Luxury Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Jumierah and Marriott International Luxury Brands.
What to Expect at This Year’s Event
Following a surprise musical performance, Simon Mayle, Event Director of ILTM North America, ILTM Latin America, and PROUD Experiences, will welcome guests before introducing a series of inspiring sessions designed to equip attendees with tools for meaningful change.
Important travel industry conversations will take centre stage featuring the following sessions:
- Travel advisor perspective:
Travel industry icon Kimberly Wilson Wetty joins Haisley Smith, VP of Luxury, Land & Cruise at Internova Travel Group, to discuss the role of advisors in authentically supporting LGBTQ+ clients, from first consultation to in-destination experience. - Hospitality leadership:
Brian King, President, Marriott International Caribbean & Latin America, sits down with Nina Ruggiero, Senior Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure, to reflect on Marriott’s evolving approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion across the guest journey and internal culture.
The Gathering continues with a compelling update on The State of LGBTQ+ Tourism, presented by long-time advocate and expert Ed Salvato. Ed will share new data collected exclusively from ILTM attendees, offering fresh insight into the business case for LGBTQ+ travel. To close, Jim McPartlin, renowned US hospitality training executive, joins Salvato for a Masterclass on foundational concepts for LGBTQ+ travel. Designed to empower professionals at every level, the session will offer both foundational and advanced strategies for growing this important segment in a meaningful way.
Mayle said: “The PROUD Gathering at ILTM North America is more than just a conversation—it’s a catalyst for change. It’s where industry leaders come together to challenge assumptions, share best practices and commit to creating genuinely inclusive experiences for LGBTQ+ travellers. I’m proud that we’re not only keeping this conversation going but deepening it in a way that drives real business impact.”
With luxury brands, advisors and destinations under increasing pressure to demonstrate true inclusivity, the PROUD Gathering at ILTM North America provides an essential platform for open dialogue, education and connection. Following the PROUD Gathering, attendees can then expect three days of pre-scheduled, one-to-one appointments and networking events designed to forge meaningful business relationships across the luxury travel landscape.
Registration for ILTM North America 2025, proudly sponsored by Internova Travel Group, closes on July 29. To find out more, about the PROUD Gathering and ILTM North America contact Simon Mayle, simon.mayle@rxglobal.com.
