LGBTQ+ tourism is a tourism type oriented to LGBTQ+ people and that looks for providing a safety and gay friendly destinations to this demand, avoiding cultural and safety issues. This tourism type includes, as the other ones, destinations, accommodation, travel services, … in order that this demand can travel without being concerned about violence against them due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As we already know, LGBTQ+ demand are diverse and looking for different experiences whenever they travel, as with everyone. Due to that, different destinations are looking for being gay friendly at a 100%, designing all its products and services with LGBTQ+ travelers in mind moreover, others just look for made them feel that they are going to be welcome whenever they go to that destination. Due to that, it is important to know that, the best thing when advertising is to assume that this group is not the only one for the destination. Nowadays, LGBTQ+ tourism is growing a lot and here, I let you quote of John Tanzella that, despite being of 2018, I really think that is still interesting and truly worthy.

“We’re definitely going to see more destinations and businesses standing up to support LGBTQ tourism in 2018 and beyond – particularly in places that haven’t traditionally been associated with the market.”

John Tanzella, IGLTA President/CEO

Here you will find some travelling trends to take into account when thinking about LGBTQ+ tourism:

1. AMBITIOUS AND ADVENTUROUS TRIPS. It is true that this is a wider global trend but, also it is a must take into account that thanks to internet, LGBTQ+ people are also travelling adventurous and, some of these travelers, are travelling really adventurous due that they are travelling to destinations where in terms of LGBTQ+ acceptance (socially or politically), destinations are not working on. Due to that, it is suggested to travel to those hostile destinations but, it really should be approached with an awareness of its customs and laws.
2. MILLENNIAL LGBTQ+ TRAVELERS ARE MORE OPEN. These travelers are more confident and open to talk and demonstrate which is their sexuality orientation or gender identity and, due to that, they really expect the same from travel providers, which actually, is not really a problem, in general. And, it is important to take into account that they prefer to be targeted as part of mainstream advertising in spite of being treated as a separate group.
3. SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE IS A GOOD THING FOR TOURISM. It is now that couples travel frequently to get engaged and, they tend to plan a honeymoon trip after they get married. According to a report by Community Marketing Inc. (2016), 80% of U.S.A couples plan to go on a major vacation in the year that follows their wedding. Due to that, it is super important to take into account that thanks to this new same-gender marriage acceptance, there are more LGBTQ+ people from this community that will travel. Whenever they travel, they are in a constant celebration mood and, due to that, travel providers should be smart and provide a memorable and uniquely tailored service for this newly-weds.
4. TECHNOLOGY AND LGBTQ+ TRAVEL CHANGES. Thanks to tourism, travel attitudes have changed a lot, and not only when travelling, also when planning or book. As per LGBTQ+ travelers, it is true that technology, has brought more visibility of issues towards LGBTQ+ community, which has made work on those problems and on new experiences and even destinations for this LGBTQ+ people.

On the other hand, here I let you an online site where you are going to find a LGBTQ+ destination, which is Barcelona. I truly recommend you this site in case you are interested on travelling LGBTQ+ friendly, due that it has useful information and data to use.

If you are part of this community, I just want to tell you that nowadays traveling and being part of this community it is suitable so, I hope you feel encourage to LGTBQ+ travelling and to tell me what your experience was like!

Tell me down below places you have gone for your LGBTQ+, so we can discover new places!