A fast-growing market

Times are changing and attitudes are evolving, if many tourists from the community used to hide their identities during their stays, this is now (almost) no longer the case. LGBTQI+ tourism is now a significant part of the tourism industry, as figures published by The International Gay and Lesbian Association (IGLA) reveal. Before the health crisis, the market was worth over $218 billion a year worldwide. In Europe, LGBTQI+ tourism is estimated to account for around 8% of the total turnover, or $65 billion according to the Gay European Tourism Association (GETA). 

LGBT tourism has been growing steadily in recent years. It is now widely recognised as an important and promising tourism segment worldwide and can become a powerful driver of economic development, social inclusion and competitiveness of tourism destinations. 

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General

Tourism is first and foremost about getting to know each other. Discovery, sharing and inclusion are deeply embedded in its DNA. It therefore seems logical to take even more into consideration the needs and expectations of the LGBTQI+ community. All the more so as this community is expected to number 180 million travellers by 2030 according to the UNWTO's Global LGBTQI+ Tourism Report. LGBTQI+ tourists travel more frequently than non-LGBTQI+ tourists and have higher than average incomes. This may be due to the fact that many LGBTQI+ people are in dual-income, childless couples, known in finance as DINK (Dual incomes, no kids).

However, the LGBTQI+ segment cannot be treated as a homogeneous group, as sexuality is only one part of people's lives and is often not a reason for travel. Many other criteria need to be taken into account such as age, origin, marital status, presence or absence of children, socio-professional category and many others. There are also clear...