Lgbtq travel trends

How Travel Brands Can Genuinely Connect with the Diverse Market in 2025

Around the world, brands are navigating a more polarised environment: in the US, corporate support for Pride events and LGBTQ+ charities has dropped sharply following right-wing backlash and fears of political targeting. In the UK, heated debates around trans rights have created further division and uncertainty.

But now is not the time for silence or performative gestures. LGBTQ+ travellers continue to represent one of the most dynamic and high-spending segments in the global travel industry and they’re more discerning than ever.

According to The Future of Queer Travel announce by Globetrender (2023), move spending by queer travellers is expected to extend US $568.5 billion by 2030. Complementing this, the Expedia LGBTQ+ Summer Travel Outlook 2025 reveals that Gay Brits take at least three trips a year, spending on average £3,200 annually, with one in five spending over £5,000. These figures reinforce the segment’s value to the industry - not just in terms of spending, but in terms of influence, frequency, and loyalty.

Expedia’s research also highlighted a growing appetite for finding, proving that

I like to keep a pulse on access and inclusion of LGBTQ travelers. Previously, I’ve dug into the results of a Booking.com survey of global LGBTQ travelers and MMGY’s report on what gender non-conforming travelers want in 2023. Now, I’m sharing highlights from an Airbnb survey commissioned by The Queer Travel Association, IGLTA.

The data takes a glance at what LGBTQ travelers want in 2024, including the top destinations on our travel bucket lists and how we balancing exploring the world with staying safe on vacation.

LGBTQ Travel Trends for 2024

LGBTQ Travelers Take Frequent Trips

When it comes to lgbtq+ travel, most people consider of safety first. That’s not exactly surprising given the rise in anti-trans laws over the last few years.

What may surprise you is how often queer people travel.

  • We commute more than the general population – over 60% of LGBTQ travelers are planning 2 or more trips this year. Personally, I have 3 trips in the works for 2024!
  • We spend more money – almost 6% of travelers spent over $2,000 on trips.
  • We’re more likely to hold a valid passport than the general population – I just got Global Entry to make international trips even

    Honey, pack your bags and grab your passports because 2025 is serving major travel realness for the queer community! With the Queer travel market projected to hit a fierce $568 billion by 2030, we're not just traveling - we're revolutionizing the entire industry with our fabulous spending power and trendsetting ways 💅.

    From AI-powered booking platforms that understand your pronouns to entire cruise ships consecrated to polyamorous adventures, the future of gay travel is giving everything it's supposed to offer. Get ready to spill the tea on how our community is reshaping travel experiences and turning unexpected destinations into must-visit lgbtq+ hotspots!

    Trend 1: Increased Travel to LGBTQ-Friendly Destinations

    The landscape of LGBTQ+ travel is evolving rapidly, with more destinations rolling out the rainbow carpet for 2025. Leading the pack are the Netherlands and Malta, where same-sex marriage and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws make these spots an absolute no-brainer for queer travelers.

    Looking for adventure down under? Sydney's got your back with its legendary Mardi Gras and year-round inclusive vibes. Fresh Zealand isn't far behind, c

    As Pride Month kicks off, new global flight information from Sojern—in partnership with Sonders & Beach and the European LGBTQ+ Commute Alliance (ELTA)—reveals how and where the world is travelling for Pride in 2025.

    Sonders & Beach is bringing these insights to life by certifying destinations, hotels, and events—ensuring Identity festival travellers can enjoy verified inclusive and sustainable commute experiences across Europe and beyond.

    Key findings include:

    • Pride Planning Starts Early: Searches for Athens, Brussels, and Rome spiked around Valentine’s Day, suggesting it may execute as a key heartfelt trigger. Brussels in particular showed early planning behaviour – valuable insight for marketers looking to capture interest from this audience in advance.

    • Long-Haul, Solo & Leisure-Led: Over 45% of Pride travel committed long-haul trips (4,800+ km), with 58% of travellersbooking solo and primarily for leisure—though “bleisure” travel sees a noticeable rise ahead of parade weekends.

    • Where They’re Coming From: Western Europe (35%) just edges out North America (33%) in total volume, but the USA (28%) remains the single largest feeder country, followed by Braz

      Are you ready to maximize your move experiences in 2025? No more ho-hum holidays, dear reader — this is the year to supersize your adventures. According to Hilton’s Annual Trends Describe, 2025 is gearing up to be the “Year of the Travel Maximizer.” But what does that mean for you, especially if you’re part of the vibrant Gay community? Let’s glance at the 2025 LGBTQ+ travel trends and find out!

      The Roaring Adventures Await

      First off, what’s all this about “Go Getaways”? Seven in ten global travelers want to be active on their trips. And for one in five, it’s all about the outdoor adventure. Sounds like a blast, right? Whether it’s a zip-lining excursion in Costa Rica or a hiking expedition in the Scottish highlands, LGBTQ+ travelers are ready to pack their bags for unique, inclusive experiences. After all, who wants to just sit by the pool when there are rainforests to explore and mountains to climb?

      The Dominance of “Hurkle-Durkling”

      Now, let’s talk about another trend — “Hurkle-Durkling.” No, it’s not a new TikTok dance move. It’s the Scottish statement for “lounging lgbtq travel trends