Discrimination, insecurity and self-consciousness are how some LGBTQ+ travellers have described their travel experience. In data released in 2024, Booking.com noted that more than half of LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced discrimination when travelling, while 56% agree that being LGBTQ+ has made them more insecure and self-conscious as a traveller.
Nevertheless, two in three believe that being their authentic self on a trip is important. So how is it possible to reconcile the two?
“Fortunately, most of the time, most LGBTQ+ members don’t experience difficulty travelling because of their sexuality or gender. But it’s very personal and local — and people who don’t conform to what locals expect men and women to look like more often have horrible experiences,” says Billy Kolber, co-founder of HospitableMe, an American-based company that offers inclusive hospitality training. “So many LGBTQ+ members fear what could happen — and rightly so, because when things go bad, it can ruin your trip and even threaten your safety.”
HospitableMe is Booking.com’s partner in Travel Proud, the platform’s inclusive hospitality training. Launched in 2021, Travel Proud provides free, inclusive hospitality training to help partner hotels understand the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers. The training is available in 11 languages and has recently expanded to include Japanese and Thai.
“The idea for Travel Proud was born out of the recognition that LGBTQ+ travellers often face unique challenges and discrimination when booking accommodations,” says Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Booking.com. “While there may be differences in discrimination reported across the region, our 2024 LGBTQ+ travel research shows that over half (62%) of LGBTQ+ travellers from APAC have encountered barriers to feeling truly welcome.”
