FORT LAUDERDALE — On January 9, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted an event at Chill Wine Lounge (1828 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) to honor the appointment of Richard Gray, the former owner of the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, as the CVB’s Consulting Managing Director for the LGBT Market. In that role, Gray will develop strategies to increase global travel and tourism to Greater Fort Lauderdale.

“The GFLGLCC and the CVB have just created a unique position which is strictly for LGBT tourism: we are so pleased to have appointed Richard Gray,” said Keith Blackburn, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC).

Gray explained that his “role is the only full time position to be dedicated to LGBT tourism. This is an important step.”