TTG LGBT is gearing up for its second year, with plans for a new range of events, and another conference.

After a successful first 12 months, the initiative continues to be backed by headline partner Celebrity Cruises, along with co-partners Abta, Holiday Extras and Virgin Holidays, and now new partner Malta.

Peter Vella, director UK and Ireland for Malta Tourist Office, said: “The tolerance of the Maltese people towards the LGBT community provides a shining example for other countries to follow.

“In October 2015, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) – Europe ranked Malta first in terms of LGBT rights out of 49 European countries. In April, Mr Gay World was hosted in Malta and in June, Malta Gay Pride week will be held in Valletta. Malta is honoured to work hand in hand with TTG to promote better understanding of the LGBT community across the world.”

As our partners, these companies will join the TTG LGBT advisory board, holding quarterly meetings to discuss the best ways of developing the network.

The second year will follow the format of year one, which saw famous LGBT faces from different industries – including The Apprentice’s Sanjay Sood-Smith, former England football captain Casey Stoney and Barclays’ transgender champion Amy Stanning – speaking at networking events.

However, there will also be some changes, including a panel debate featuring the advisory board taking questions from the audience as to how they would like to see the network developing.

There will also be an evening event in Manchester in early September, followed by an early-Christmas networking event in London, and another event at the start of next year – all of which will feature more inspirational speakers.

2016 conference

In addition, we’re thrilled to announce the second TTG LGBT conference, which this year will be held at Etc Venues, St Paul’s 200 Aldersgate, London on July 20.

This year’s event will educate those wanting to start selling and marketing to the lucrative LGBT market.

Sessions will focus on new data from LGBT customers – including average spend and preferred holiday types; case studies from businesses that have diversified with specialist offerings for the LGBT market; and top LGBT-friendly destinations.

There will also be unique sessions on how to market effectively to the LGBT sector, including the dos and don’ts, and lessons that can be learned from other industries.