Tourism strategist Santiago Aguirre-Montoya joins the association’s global staff to enhance its membership programs.
MEDILLIN, COLOMBIA – The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association announced that Santiago Aguirre-Montoya (he/they), who led the LGBTQ+ initiatives at PROCOLOMBIA, the Colombian tourist board, has joined the association staff this week as Global Membership Manager. Based in both Toronto and his home city of Medellín, he will oversee support for the association’s members as well as develop new strategies for member outreach and benefits.
“We had the pleasure of getting to know Santiago through PROCOLOMBIA’s engagement in association activities, including sponsorship of our Global Convention,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “He is so articulate and passionate about LGBTQ+ tourism and brings a fresh perspective to the table. The entire team is excited to welcome them on board and brainstorm about new ways to enhance IGLTA’s membership experience.”
Aguirre-Montoya brings a strong background in tourism promotion and destination marketing to the role. While working for PROCOLOMBIA, they developed business strategies with travel operators and the hospitality sector and created an LGBTQ+ travel strategy that helped the destination win several awards. Most recently, he oversaw the tourism strategy for Colombia in Canada, implementing plans for tourism recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
“Joining IGLTA is an absolute dream! I am so humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to work towards a more inclusive tourism industry,” said Aguirre-Montoya. “As a genderqueer Latinx person and as Global Membership Manager, I hope to develop valuable relationships with our members as well as seek out new opportunities to continue advancing LGBTQ+ travel around the globe. Diversity is what makes us human and there's nothing like travel to help us become aware of this.”
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
