IGLTA networking reception IGLTA    Share    Join IGLTA and Harrah's New Orleans for an evening of networking and fun to celebrate the power of tourism and the LGBT community at large. We look forward to a toast with you in New Orleans during DMAI's 97th annual convention for destination marketing professionals! The reception will be held at the Harrah's New Orleans, 228 Poydras St., on Wednesday, 20 July, from 8:30-10 p.m. Click here to RSVP. Save the date IGLTA    Share    Save the date for the 8th Annual GLBT Party during the ASAE 2011 Annual Meeting & Exposition in St. Louis. Hosted by Meet Minneapolis, the party will be held at Erney's 32, 4200 Manchester Ave., on Monday, 8 Aug., from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. International tourism maintains momentum despite challenges UNWTO World Tourism Organization    Share    International tourist arrivals grew by 4.5% in the first four months of 2011, despite new challenges emerging since the beginning of the year. More 4 new World Heritage sites in Asia Pacific PATA    Share    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has announced the eight new locations added to its list of World Heritage sites, four of which are in Asia Pacific. More Newsletter sponsor: Rail Europe Be fabulous in four gay-friendly countries: Switzerland, Germany, Denmark or The Netherlands. Now through July 19, Rail Europe is offering 10% off any rail pass that includes Switzerland, Germany, Denmark or The Netherlands — four countries that roll out the rainbow carpet for the gay community. Visit www.raileurope.com, then simply enter the coupon code FABFOUR on the delivery page during checkout to get 10% off the value of the qualifying pass(es) in your order. IATA reports 6.8% increase in global air traffic in May Travel Pulse    Share    Passenger air traffic in May increased 6.8% over May 2010, according to the International Air Transport Association, and has increased 4% since the beginning of the year. More IGLTA welcomes its first Italian ambassadors e-Travel Blackboard    Share    With the colorful celebration of Europride in Rome as a backdrop, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association announced the appointment of its new co-ambassadors for Italy. More UNWTO World Tourism Barometer UNWTO World Tourism Organization    Share    The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer is a regular publication of the Tourism Trends and Marketing Strategies Programme of UNWTO aimed at monitoring the short-term evolution of tourism and providing the sector with relevant and timely information. More SonicStar supersonic jet will fly from London to New York in 2 hours Mail Online    Share    A British firm has unveiled plans for a supersonic plane that will travel twice the speed of Concorde and slash journey times across the Atlantic. More Blog - Twitter - Facebook - LinkedIn - Curaçao Tourist Board's André Rojer discusses tourism increase Travel Pulse    Share    Curaçao is attracting North Americans in increasing numbers, according to recent tourist-arrival numbers. Indeed, the growth is so dramatic that it has turned this multi-cultural, polyglot island, a constituent country of the kingdom of the Netherlands, into one of the Caribbean's strongest performers in a year where tourism has rebounded for several islands. More The incredibly true adventures of 2 lesbians in Bali Autostraddle    Share    Meghan McCarron writes, "All at once these things happened: My girlfriend's friend got married in Bali. We were given an opportunity to travel to Istanbul at a sharp discount. My friend got engaged, and when she offered to have the wedding in either Toledo or France, we obviously voted for France. Consequently, we were looking at an epic travel schedule this summer and were both very excited." More 10 places to travel for a higher cause Lonely Planet    Share    Seeking some deeper meaning on your travels? Make your own pilgrimage to some of the world's great spiritual sites. More Flying First Class on Malaysia Airlines isn't for cry babies — literally Jaunted    Share    Forget strangers who nap on your shoulder, clip their toenails in the aisle or talk to you straight through the flight; the universal worst seatmate a flyer could (not) hope for is a crying baby in their ear. Malaysia Airlines has heard these complaints and is doing something about them. More RailEurope A little bit of planning can mean a lot more traveling. Traveling by train will enhance your entire European experience: no airport hassles or wasted time, and more leisurely gourmet dining as you gaze through panoramic windows while being whisked from city center to city center. It’s no wonder trains are so popular, so make sure you book in advance to get the best prices and most choices. More info Expedia Plan your next great vacation with Expedia. As the world's largest online travel agency, we make it easy to get the best prices on flights, hotels, and flight + hotel vacations. More info Halifax Halifax, founded by General Edward Cornwallis in 1749, still preserves many of its original buildings and fortifications. Today it is a vibrant city, bustling with tourists who arrive by air, rail, ship and automobile to explore the wealth of beauty and history that the city has to offer. More info