GALTA is a national network of tourism professionals dedicated to the welfare and satisfaction of all gay and lesbian travellers within and to Australia. Gay & Lesbian Tourism Australia Ltd is a voluntary non-profit organisation operated by a team of elected individuals who work with federal, state and regional tourism bodies, corporations, businesses and individuals to develop and grow the gay & lesbian market and increase the awareness of gay & lesbian travellers and their needs.
Membership is open to any tourism-related business with an interest in marketing to the LGBT+ community.
Our Mission
To be the peak national body which works with its stakeholders to provide marketing, advice, and expertise for the LGBT+ travellers and tourism operations.
Our Values
To create a financially robust and influential marketing body that positions our ever-growing membership as the first chose of LGBT+ travellers looking for a welcoming and exciting experience in Australia.
GALTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The GALTA Board of Directors is elected to represent all Members and is supported by dedicated Representatives from across Australia.
president@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Mario is the current President of GALTA since November 2016 after serving as Vice President and Director. Celebrating over 15 years in the travel industry and 9 years of co-owning Australia’s largest LGBT tour company Planetdwellers. I love showing off the beauty of Australia to the world, it is always a joy seeing guests faces when they first see some of our iconic and renowned places. The LGBT traveller is an ever increasing market and I hope we can make Australia their number travel choice.
0416 290 291
rod@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Rod was the President of GALTA between 2011 – 2016 and was awarded Life Member of GALTA in 2016. Rod was the first Australian to receive an IGGY award (in 1995) for services to gay tourism internationally. He served three years as a board member and Director of Tourism Noosa, was a committee member of the Sydney Gay Business Association and still proudly represents Australia for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).
dennis@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Dennis officially joined GALTA in 2011 as Director and Company Secretary and also volunteered previously introducing tourism products to GALTA.
Dennis has a long career in the airline & tourism industry spanning over 25 years and is current Global Head of Sales for On The Go Tours. Previous roles include Country Manager APAC for Back-Roads Touring, General Manager Australia for Scoot Airlines, 15 years with Virgin Australia in various commercial roles, Ansett Airlines and various hotel positions.
Dennis enjoys all things about travelling and connecting with the community and was welcomed as a Life Member at the 2018 AGM.
TEAM MEMBERS
development@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Alex currently lives on the Sunshine Coast, originally from Victoria where she worked for Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the capacity of restructuring the membership database and working closely with the change management contractors.
Since living on the Sunshine Coast she has been involved with the local LGBTI+ community, IDAHOT, Pride Network, as well as an organiser and treasurer of the annual Noosa Rainbow River Festival event.
She brings extensive administrative experience in both the not-for-profit and commercial business sectors.
sean@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Sean has developed a successful career in tourism over the past 14 years spanning many facets of the industry encompassing roles in revenue management, food and beverage, front office, reservations, sales and guest services across a range of properties throughout Queensland. He has a Bachelor of Tourism Management from James Cook University, a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations and a Certificate of Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University.
Sean has completed the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Young Professionals Mentoring Program, has judged and mentored high school students undertaking QTIC’s Salute to Excellence Program and in 2018 was appointed a Young Tourism Leader by Hon Kate Jones MP of the Queensland Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and the Commonwealth Games Since 2015 Sean has been a volunteer with GALTA as an individual and as a business member representative, and was pleased to accept a formal role with the organisation in 2019.
GALTA REPRESENTATIVES
alex@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Director and Editor at Fuse Magazine. FUSE Magazine not only brings a community together, but has also created an exceptional opportunity for business, government and community groups to connect to the gay and lesbian demographic in Canberra and Australia. Fuse is a vibrant Australian gay and lesbian lifestyle magazine (GLBTI).
jay@visitgayaustralia.com.au
Founder of FNQ Magazine and go2gaycairns.com. Nominations and Awards: 2014 – FNQ Magazine – finalist, Best Non-Daily Publications in the QLD Multi-Media Awards, 2005 – Nominated for Australian Of The Year, 2003 – Announced as Mr All Queensland – Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland.
peter@visitgayaustralia.com.au
For the past fourteen years Peter has managed Waterfront Dunsborough – thirteen prestige holiday homes located in the south west region of W.A.
Peter has been in the industry since 1984, starting at Merlin Hotels in Malaysia.
Peter has also worked in Perth, Sydney, the Sunshine Coast, Canberra and Auckland, and he knows his way around a hotel, at every level! He has won many awards for his work.
He is a founding committee member of Busselton Pride (WA). He has two degrees.