The most extensive LGBTQ+ travel research from Booking.com to date spotlights the rising concerns surrounding personal safety and how active allyship in the travel industry contributes to increasing traveller confidence
LONDON, June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, regardless of who they love or how they identify, Booking.com’s LGBTQ+ travel research spotlights the steady progress, and the recent setbacks, for these communities when it comes to travel. For example:
With a background of polarising political decisions in the past 12 months, personal safety has never been more of a focus, with 79% of UK LGBTQ+ travellers reporting that they must consider their safety and wellbeing as an LGBTQ+ person when picking a destination – up significantly from 61% last year.
This year’s research shows that mainstream news – from issues around recent major world sporting and music events to celebrity and corporate sponsorships – has put discriminatory legislation and views in the spotlight for many, impacting considerations around vacation decisions for 78% of UK respondents.
Despite the headlines and significant challenges that persist in many destinations, 65% feel that their experience of being LGBTQ+ in the UK actually makes them more confident as a traveller (up from 51% in 2022).
The travel industry is clearly playing a part in shifting attitudes and perceptions. 82% of UK LGBTQ+ travellers feel more comfortable travelling due to the increased inclusivity of the industry.
Booking.com’s Travel Proud programme provides free inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to help them gain a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers, as well as what can be done to make every guest feel more welcome, regardless of where they come from, who they love or how they identify.
To learn more about this year’s insights, the research methodology and Booking.com’s Travel Proud program visit https://globalnews.booking.com/
For further information, contact the Booking.com UK Press Office; lon-booking@ketchum.com
Olivia Swarbrick, olivia.swarbrick@ketchum.com
About Booking.com: Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com.
SOURCE Booking.com