An IGLTAF Report Reveals Ways to Improve LGBTQ+ Tourism in Europe

At a time when we’re seeing fundamentalism throughout Europe, now more than ever, a new groundbreaking report offers concrete steps toward a more inclusive and welcoming future of LGBTQ+ travel. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Foundation (IGLTAF) report, “Shaping the Future of LGBTQ+ Tourism in Europe,” is a result of the Foundation’s first virtual Think Tank.

According to the IGLTAF, LGBTQ+ tourism is a vital economic driver for Europe, and IGLTA has done business in the region for 40 years, collaborating with national and local convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), universities, and NGOs. 

“While Europe has made great strides in LGBTQ+ tourism, there are still places on the continent where LGBTQ+ travelers may not feel welcomed. This report provides a roadmap for governments, businesses, and DMOs to elevate the LGBTQ+ tourism landscape in their respective destinations,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “By embracing the steps outlined in our report, European destinations can become more inclusive and welcoming, benefiting both travelers and the European tourism industry as a whole.”

This game-changing report explores three key strategies for enhancing the LGBTQ+ tourism landscape across Europe:

• Collaborating with Local Governments: By working with local authorities, tourism organizations can create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ travelers, tailored to unique regional needs.

• Increasing LGBTQ+ Representation in Decision-Making: Actively recruiting and promoting LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership roles, providing education, and engaging with advocacy groups can lead to more informed and inclusive policies within the tourism industry.

• Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: The younger generation’s evolving perspective requires strategic changes! This includes gender-neutral hotel reservations, ensuring safety for women and LGBTQ+ travelers, addressing intersectionality, and fostering collaboration for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

This Think Tank was co-moderated by Fabrice Houdart (he/him), Executive Director for the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors, and Núria Abellan Calvet (she/her), who is a professor at The CETT Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy. The participants represented a diverse and passionate group of professionals dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable tourism landscape. 

Click here to view the IGLTAF’s full report.