Most LGBTQ+ travellers still face discrimination during holidays
The majority of LGBTQ+ people have experienced discrimination while travelling over the past year, according to new global research from online travel giant Booking.com.
The annual Travel Proud survey found that 67% of LGBTQ+ travellers from the UK had suffered discrimination during trips in the past year, an increase from 55% of respondents in 2023.
Nearly half of LGBTQ+ travellers (48%) have also cancelled a trip in the past year after seeing that their intended destination was unsupportive of LGBTQ+ people, while 27% have endured a negative experience on a flight due to their identity.
Most LGBTQ+ travellers with a partner (64%) said they had suffered discrimination on holiday in the past year, including from fellow travellers (61%) and local people in their destinations (62%). Some 60% added that being LGBTQ+ had made them “insecure and self-conscious” when abroad.
When choosing their holiday destinations, 70% UK-based LGBTQ+ travellers said it was most important that they could be their “authentic self” while on their trip.
Other key factors in destination choice include finding accommodation that suits their budgets, as well as considering the country’s LGBTQ+ laws, reports about the experiences of LGBTQ+ travellers in the destination and whether it is “more or less accepting” of LGBTQ+ people than their home country.
Half of UK LGBTQ+ travellers have even gone as far as to create an “alter-ego” to avoid potential discrimination on a holiday, which can include modifying aspects of their appearance and behaviour. A similar number also select specific seats on flights to “minimise interaction” with others for fear of discrimination.
More positively, LGBTQ+ travellers are recognising progress within the travel sector, with 78% saying that increased inclusivity has made them feel more comfortable when travelling.
This means that the vast majority (85%) of travellers now feel comfortable when checking in at their accommodation. There is also a similar level of comfort for LGBTQ+ people when they are corresponding with accommodation hosts and airlines (82%), and also interacting with hospitality staff in their destination (84%).
’Tangible progress’
Arjan Dijk, chief marketing officer and senior vice president at Booking.com, said: “As a gay man, I unfortunately know first-hand the challenges that persist in many parts of the world, including sadly with travel alerts already being issued ahead of Pride events this year.
“Despite all this, I am incredibly inspired to see LGBTQ+ travellers resiliently embracing their lived experiences, both at home and during their trips. While real and tangible progress is being made, we must remain vigilant and do our part to make it truly easier for everyone to Travel Proud.”
Booking.com launched its Travel Proud programme in 2021, which gives free inclusivity hospitality training for accommodation providers. This is designed to make LGBTQ+ guests feel more welcome.
The OTA now features 67,000 properties certified for offering inclusive hospitality through the Travel Proud badge – up from 24,000 this time last year.
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