Travelling with Pride
LGBTQ+ travel is not only a means for exploration and leisure; it has become an influential market within the Travel & Tourism industry. As societal acceptance and equality continue to advance, LGBTQ+ people are increasingly comfortable expressing their identities openly, including during their travels. The market has an important role to play in the Economic Impact of Travel in Tourism with data from the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), highlighting that the LGBTQ+ tourism market is estimated to be worth over $200 billion annually.
“The socio-economic benefits that Pride events bring to the Travel & Tourism sector are continuing to grow with more LGBT+ individuals and allies traveling domestically and abroad to celebrate Pride than ever before.
Pride has shown to be an excellent opportunity for hotels, tour operators, and other hospitality services to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community, leading to repeat visits.
With a rise in the LGBTQ+ market segment, it’s becoming increasingly important for the Travel & Tourism sector to cater to this demographic.”
In recent years, more and more LGBTQ+ individuals and allies have decided to take off and celebrate Pride in other parts of the world. This trend has gained significant momentum, transcending borders and bringing together individuals from all walks of life to celebrate diversity on a global scale. With that in mind, we wanted to highlight some of the Pride celebrations around the world that continue to draw the community, distinguishing themselves as iconic hot spots for LGBTQ+ travellers.
New York
New York City, the birthplace of the modern Pride movement, hosts one of the world’s most iconic Pride parade. The city’s streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colours, music, and dance as millions of people gather to commemorate the Stonewall Riots and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Tel Aviv
Known for its inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, Tel Aviv hosts an unforgettable Pride week filled with beach parties, cultural events, and an electric parade along the Mediterranean coastline.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Pride celebrations captivate visitors with its legendary canal parade, where boats wind their way through the city’s picturesque waterways. Thousands of spectators line Amsterdam’s historic canals during the Canal Parade, as floats filled with people singing and dancing pass by.
Manchester
With the second-highest LGBTQ+ population in the UK, Manchester boasts a renowned Pride festival, featuring an incredible line-up of musical performances and a joyful atmosphere that permeates the city. Don’t miss the iconic Pride Parade, the ultimate protest party, which sees activists everything from activists to drag queens march down the famous cobbled streets.
Honourable mentions go to Torremolinos, London, Sitges, Brighton, Gran Canaria, Puerta Vallarta & San Francisco which are all famed for their hospitality for LGBTQ+ travellers and spectacular Pride festivities. In a world where Pride celebrations are at varying points between celebration and protest LGBT+ travellers are continuing to use travel as a means to explore cultural exchanges within the community.
