In recent years, the conversation around LGBTQIA+ inclusive travel has evolved significantly. It no longer focuses solely on visibility or awareness, but on how to design experiences where LGBTQIA+ travellers feel genuinely comfortable, respected and well supported.
A few weeks ago at ITB Berlin 2026 — during the panel “From Risk to Resilience: Practical Steps for the Future of Inclusive LGBTQIA+ Travel” — industry experts, including our Head of ESG & Global Health & Safety Strategy, Carlota Galván, took part in a discussion that offered valuable insights into the future of inclusive tourism. Carlota joined Thomas Bömkes (moderator, ITB Berlin), Seth Barron (Grindr), Dr Prem Jagyasi (Dr Prem & Associates) and Marcel Conrad (A3M Global Monitoring).
Inclusive LGBTQIA+ travel: what ITB 2026 reveals about the market’s evolving expectations
What we learned — and how to apply it in your business
Transparent communication reduces uncertainty
Inclusion starts with leadership
As Carlota emphasised, when leaders understand the strategic value of diversity, service quality improves.
Listen before you act: the importance of measurement
At HBX Group, we prioritise gathering insights from employees, partners and travellers.
Many LGBTQIA+ travellers avoid destinations they perceive as risky, even when the real ontheground experience is safe and welcoming.
What you can do:
• Provide clear information on your website and materials about your inclusion policies, respectful service and safety protocols.
• Share authentic testimonials from LGBTQIA+ travellers or destination staff.
• Ensure your customer support team is trained to handle questions about safety and wellbeing.
Recommendations:
• Appoint a focal point for diversity and inclusion.
• Embed diversity targets in your customer experience KPIs.
• Strengthen a culture where everyone feels safe to express themselves.
How to apply this:
• Conduct short surveys for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
• Analyse complaints and comments to identify key pain points.
• Use these insights to improve processes, communication and product design.
Inclusion is collaborative: work with local experts
Our partnership with Queer Destinations highlights the value of combining local expertise with global reach and technology.
Suggestions for partners:
• Train your teams with specialist diversity organisations.
• Explore recognised certifications that validate inclusive standards.
• Build relationships with local associations for real community feedback.
Technology can protect the traveller
Grindr shared how it automatically activates safety features — hiding location, blocking screenshots, disappearing messages — in higher risk regions.
What you can incorporate:
• Offer clear privacy options in your platform, app or digital channels.
• Assess whether the customer data you collect is truly necessary.
• Provide destination specific safety advice based on trusted local insights.
Service is what truly makes the difference
As Dr Prem noted: “Loyalty isn’t created by a brochure — it’s created by how you’re treated at 2am in the airport.”
Good practice:
• Train your staff in inclusive language and respectful service.
• Review checkin processes, room allocation and activities to avoid assumptions about identity or relationships.
• Normalise asking, “How would you like us to address you?” or “Do you prefer one bed or two?”
Risk management must include diversity
Political and social conditions shift rapidly. Integrating inclusion into risk management helps protect both travellers and employees.
How to advance:
• Assess destination specific risks for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
• Establish internal protocols to support employees travelling to sensitive regions.
• Work with suppliers who uphold inclusive standards.
During the session, Carlota Galván also explained how HBX Group’s role as a global travel tech connector places us at the centre of this conversation. She highlighted three core elements of our approach: building awareness from leadership to foster more open and creative cultures; listening actively to employees, partners and travellers to understand how they truly feel; and forming strong alliances with local experts, such as Queer Destinations.
Building on this approach, our partnership with Queer Destinations combines their certification and expert training with our technology and global reach, allowing inclusive standards to be applied consistently across markets. As a result, certified destinations and hotels gain greater visibility, travellers can book with confidence, and a share of the economic value created is reinvested into local LGBTQ+ initiatives — helping generate a sustainable, community centred impact. Know more here.