World Travel Market and Out Now, the leading marketing organisation to reach lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) consumers, are expanding their partnership including the unveiling of the world’s largest LGBT research program.

In 2012, there will be a combination of options for those seeking to reach the LGBT tourism consumer market - and to network with other businesses globally in a new B2B initiative to be showcased by Out Now at WTM.

Out Now will once again present its industry-leading LGBT Marketing Masterclass, releasing the latest tourism findings from the world’s largest LGBT market research program - LGBT2020 - at the WTM education workshop, including the first ever LGBT tourism research data for a number of new markets - including Israel, South Korea, and Turkey.

One of the confirmed panel members is Ruben Sandoval, the chief executive of LGBT Confex - Latin America’s leading conference and events organizer.

LGBT Confex are convenors of the 2nd International Expo&Business LGBT event in Cancun Mexico.

Sandoval said he is pleased to bring regional expert insights into the WTM workshop.

“Latin America is home to several of the fastest-growing economies in the world,” explained Sandoval.

“As we track the immense LGBT market growth in the region, we are looking forward to sharing with delegates at London WTM what trends we are seeing right across Latin America.”

As 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of Out Now, chief executive Ian Johnson said part of this year’s education workshop is dedicated to highlighting some of the greatest success stories of LGBT marketing over that time.

Johnson added: “Out Now and WTM have grown a strong relationship with a single focus - delivering best-in-class marketing insights to the global tourism industry, and I am delighted we are partnering for the sixth year in 2012.”

Johnson also took the opportunity to announce the launch of a new B2B membership-based initiative, which is specifically designed to help the tourism industry network more effectively throughout the entire year - and around the world.

Out Now Business Class is a new online marketing platform that allows members to network and educate to increase their understanding about meeting the consumer needs of LGBT people worldwide.

Membership applications are open to those who meet a specific set of criteria focused upon LGBT marketing development.

Johnson cpncluded: “The LGBT travel market has advanced in major ways during the past 20 years, but the organisational structures that serve the industry have advanced little.”