At a time when equality and inclusion are central to tourism discussions, ITB Berlin—the world’s leading travel trade show—conducted its first in-depth survey on the safety and social acceptance of LGBTQ+ travelers. In collaboration with Diversity Tourism and A3M Global Monitoring, the study, titled Perceptions and Experiences of LGBTQ+ Travellers, captures the personal experiences and perceptions of queer community members across various global destinations.
The research took place between December 2024 and April 2025, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data through 16 questions and in-depth interviews with LGBTQ+ tourism experts. While not statistically representative, the study is seen as a valuable qualitative tool for understanding the real experiences of queer travelers.
Strong Positive Examples: Canada and Spain
Canada and Spain stood out as the safest and most welcoming destinations. In both countries, 100% of respondents said LGBTQ+ individuals are treated with respect, and public displays of affection are socially accepted—especially in Spain (90%). Additionally, law enforcement is generally perceived as supportive.
In Spain, destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, the Mediterranean coast, and the Canary Islands reaffirm their reputation as LGBTQ+-friendly locations with strong societal acceptance.
Mixed Feelings About the U.S. and Germany
The picture in the U.S. is more complex. While there are progressive cities, only one-third of respondents feel comfortable showing affection publicly. Attitudes from police vary significantly by state, highlighting strong regional differences.
In Germany, despite a progressive legal framework and the passing of the Self-Determination Act (November 2024), social acceptance appears cautious. Only half of the respondents said they feel comfortable in public spaces as LGBTQ+ individuals or believe they receive equal treatment from authorities.
Inequalities Within the Community
One of the key findings is that not all LGBTQ+ community members feel equally safe. Trans and intersex individuals report significantly more discrimination compared to cisgender gay individuals—a trend observed globally.
Trans travelers, in particular, face practical challenges such as non-recognition of gender on travel documents and lack of training among airport security staff.
Insights from Experts
Expert interviews highlighted additional perspectives:
In South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru), tourist areas are relatively tolerant despite limited legal protections.
In China and Dubai, authorities often show “pragmatism” as long as LGBTQ+ travelers remain discreet.
In the U.S., increasing obstacles are reported, including setbacks in the recognition of non-binary identities.
Another interesting point is the generational divide: younger queer travelers from Western societies react more strongly to restrictions on public behavior, while older individuals often show greater adaptability due to past experiences with discrimination.
A3M’s Global LGBTQ+ Risk Map
Alongside the survey, A3M Global Monitoring published the LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2025, which ranks countries based on risk levels—from “very high” (red) to “low” (green).
Positive developments include:
Dominica: Decriminalization of same-sex acts (April 2024)
Namibia: Repeal of anti-gay relationship laws (June 2024)
Thailand: Legalization of same-sex marriage (January 2025)
Meanwhile, setbacks were observed in countries such as:
Iraq, Mali, Trinidad and Tobago, and Georgia, where laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community were enacted or strengthened.
Outlook: A Global Safety Network for Queer Travelers
A3M is planning to establish an international safety network for LGBTQ+ travelers to collect experiences and provide reliable information for safer travel.
As Thomas B?mkes of Diversity Tourism notes, “Safety is not just a legal right—it’s a feeling and an experience. And that requires knowledge and collaboration.”
The ITB Berlin study will now be conducted annually, offering a dynamic tool to monitor the global evolution of the LGBTQ+ travel experience.
