This summer, Tampa, Florida will welcome the Florida OutCoast Convention (FLOCC), a first of its kind conference to bring together the sunshine state’s thriving LGBTQ+ inclusive destinations, hotels, businesses, nonprofits, pride organizations, and travel influencers. FLOCC is being sponsored by OutCoast, a Florida travel blog and content consulting firm that highlights Florida’s LGBTQ-welcoming destinations and businesses, and will be held August 1-3, 2023, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown. According to Reports and Insights1, the total value of the global LGBT tourism market is slated to reach US$ 568.5 Bn by 2030.
“For the first time, we have a dedicated conference for Florida’s tourism and LGBTQ leaders to unite, evolve and flourish as one community,” said Rachel Covello, Publisher of OutCoast. “The conference format is designed to provide stakeholders a comfortable space to ‘FLOCC together’ to create, deliver and sustain ideas and solutions to strengthen the Florida tourism industry.”
Florida is historically known one of the world’s premier LGBTQ travel destinations, beckoning with year-round warmth, top-notch dining and clubs, inclusive events and festivals, and friendly accommodations. According to market research, approximately 4 million LGBTQ tourists visit Florida each year, representing more than $3 billion in annual revenue2.
“As the weather heats up, so is our destination as we look forward to continuing to welcome all travelers in search of adventure in the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast,” says Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “We are excited to host the first ever FLOCC conference and highlight some of our world-class partners and attractions.”
FLOCC will include general and breakout sessions, keynote speakers, entertainment, and an exhibit hall. Topics will cover travel advisory navigation, diverse marketing techniques, creating inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ travelers, the impact of LGBTQ+ tourism, and much more. The conference will also feature Flamboyance, an award and cocktail reception celebrating LGBTQ+ tourism allies and accomplishments throughout Florida. Registration will remain open until event capacity is reached. Registration and sponsorship offerings can be found https://flocc.lgbt/event/flocc-convention-gala-registration/.
The Hilton Tampa Downtown, FLOCC host hotel, is an ideal setting for the convention, having long been inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ travelers (and employees). The Hilton Tampa Downtown is offering a special $185 per night FLOCC Rate from Sunday July 30th to Thursday August 3rd. Click here for conference rates.
Visit the official convention website HERE.
About OutCoast
Outcoast LLC is comprised of the OutCoast.com travel blog, the OutCoastTV YouTube Vlog, and OutCoast Consulting.
OutCoast.com and OutCoastTV are the go-to digital resource for Florida’s LGBTQ visitors, celebrants and residents traveling to and living in Florida. In addition, we provide the complete advertising solution for companies interested in marketing their services and product offerings to Florida’s LGBTQ+ visitors, celebrants and residents. To learn more, click here.
OutCoast Consulting works on a strategic level with companies in a variety of ways. We speak at events on diversity and inclusion, work with corporations to roll out LGBTQ Employee Resource Groups, assist fellow bloggers on content development and SEO strategies, and offer guidance to DMOs and travel partners on best LGBTQ marketing practices.
