Challenges Continue For LGBTQ+ Travellers

New research from Booking.com reveals that 83% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced less than welcoming or uncomfortable, experiences when travelling.

Booking.com’s research shines a light on attitudes, concerns and travel preferences, as well as past stay experiences, current realities and hopes for a more inclusive travel future.

Conducted amongst LGBTQ+ travellers across 25 countries around the world, the study shows that negative experiences are most common while Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers are out and about in public (35%), with those from India (100%), Denmark (97%) and Mexico (93%) indicating that they are experiencing this most frequently.

With the study exposing the barriers to inclusive travel that still remain for LGBTQ+ travellers, it also highlights that travel in principle and travel in practice are sometimes two different things for the community.

For one in two (53%) Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers, travel does present a time to relax and mentally unwind. However, the reality is that there are a number of additional considerations extending across the entire travel experience that those outside the community may never need to think about.

With more than half (61%) of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers having experienced discrimination while travelling, through being subjected to stereotyping (33%) being stared at, laughed at or verbally abused by other travellers (21%) and/or locals (21%), it’s not surprising that LGBTQ+ travellers face the added complexity of navigating a trip from selecting a destination all the way through to the activities they take part in:

• 69% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers say that being part of the community impacts the decisions they make when planning

For example, when selecting a destination:

• * 68% report they have to consider their safety and wellbeing as an LGBTQ+ traveller – most strongly felt by travellers who identify as queer (75%) or gay (74%)
• * Over half (55%) of the Canadian LGBTQ+ community feel that the destinations on their ‘bucket list’ have been affected by being part of the community
• 63% believe being a member of the LGBTQ+ community impacts who they choose to travel with
• 57% indicate it impacts the activities they participate in when away

While there are many obstacles to inclusive travel for those who identify as LGBTQ+, there are still significant areas where people are having positive interactions and experiences, with 87% of Canadian LGBTQ+ travellers reporting that the majority of their travel experiences so far have been welcoming – with gay and lesbian travellers most likely to agree (90%).

It’s also refreshing that 54% of Canadian travellers report that being part of the LGBTQ+ community actually makes them feel more confident as a traveller, with 82% saying that they do have the confidence to explore the destinations they want to visit. Gay travellers are most confident here (87%), followed by bisexual travellers (86%).

Booking.com recognizes the important role properties play in providing a more inclusive experience and is taking action to pave the way for everyone to Travel Proud.

Launched in August 2021, Booking.com’s Proud Hospitality training program is available in English and French, for its accommodation partners globally, with German and Spanish launching over the coming weeks.

There are now also more than 10,000 Proud Certified properties across 95 countries and territories on its platform, including more than 430 properties across Canada.