Photo Credit: ILGTA
John Tanzella, president and CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, died June 7 after an extended illness. He led the organization for 20 years, "with compassion, kindness and the unwavering belief that LGBTQ+ travelers should feel welcome everywhere in the world," according to a statement from the ILGTA.
IGLTA's vice president of finance, Tony Warner, who has overseen the association's finances for 16 years, will become interim CEO to keep the organization on its successful path.
"This loss is immeasurable. John was a visionary leader with an enormous heart, who made friends everywhere he went and inspired support around the globe," said Meg Ten Eyck, founder of EveryQueer and chair of the IGLTA board. "He made IGLTA what it is today, and his presence will be felt in everything we do for years to come."
In a Northstar story, Controversial Laws Make Some States a Harder Sell for CVBs, Tanzella took the stance that organizations shouldn't boycott destinations whose politics might be contrary to the group's credo. "Our stance is that it's better to go and support LGBT-owned businesses," he said.
LinkedIn tributes flood in
In a LinkedIn post, Destinations International COO Gretchen Hall wrote, "John was beloved. Not just respected — beloved. By colleagues, by partners and by people around the world who saw in him a leader who showed up fully and led with his whole heart."
Industry entrepreneur Barbara Karasek is equally saddened by Tanzella's passing. "I was honored to know him and proud to have learned from his wisdom as we served together on various Destinations International committees. His vision and dedication to LGBTQ+ tourism transformed our tourism community, fostering inclusivity and acceptance. John’s warmth and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Let us honor his legacy by continuing to champion social inclusion, diversity and equity in our industry and beyond."
David Kliman, cofounder of ELX, put it simply and eloquently: "A friend and industry icon lost. Sad beyond all measure and grateful for the impact John had on my life and the lives of countless others."
Giving back
The ILGTA also noted that Tanzella's desire to give back to the industry he loved so much was the driving force behind the creation of the IGLTA Foundation in 2012, providing much-needed LGBTQ+ leadership, research and education globally.
Those wishing to make a donation in his memory are requested to contribute to the IGLTA Foundation, where the John Tanzella Fellowship Fund is being establish with the aim of elevating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in emerging destinations.