Diversity & inclusion
Expo City Dubai Beyond the booth: the growth of LGBTQ+ travel COMMENT
Renato Gagliardi , Vice President of Global Membership at the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), reflects on the evolution of LGBTQ+ travel at ITB Berlin, from a single booth to a global platform for inclusion, visibility and sustainable business growth h
P icture it: Berlin, 1999. Back then, the global travel landscape looked nothing like we see today. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) was still early on its path to becoming the leading network for LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses globally, and it was our first year to have a booth at ITB. The conversation around LGBTQ+ travel was relatively narrow, primarily focused on a few established urban centres in the Americas and Western Europe. At the time, the idea of a dedicated, large-scale presence for our community at a major trade show was still a distant goal. Research helped our community to change the narrative. Armed with data showing that businesses supporting LGBTQ+ travel reap economic benefits, we saw that one booth evolve into a dedicated LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion. Serving as a queer business hub at ITB Berlin for more than 15 years, the pavilion has transformed from its humble beginnings into a highly visible meeting spot where partnerships are forged and celebrated, and IGLTA has been proud to be a part of it each year. The expanding interest in LGBTQ+ travel is not just a ‘Western trend’. Destinations across Asia, Africa, and other emerging markets are realising that being inclusive is simply part of being a modern travel destination. In 2026, LGBTQ+ travellers are looking for destinations that take their safety and experience seriously, and they are rewarding those that do. For the travel industry, paying attention to this group of travellers is no longer a niche marketing tactic; it’s just good business in a competitive global marketplace.
IGLTA has expanded its programming to embrace these shifts, addressing the need for accountability and diversified support. Programs like IGLTA Accredited™ give hotels a way to prove that they meet clear, professional standards that travellers can trust. The IGLTA Foundation’s Emerging Destinations and Communities Programme champions queer-led businesses in emerging destinations, helping these innovative entrepreneurs to change the face of travel in
even the most unexpected places. After ITB Berlin, the IGLTA Global Convention will offer the next major opportunity in Europe to amplify the
A SPACE FOR EVERYONE Progress isn’t just about market growth; it’s about making sure no one has to travel – or work –in the shadows. If you’re looking for a welcoming space to learn, connect, or simply be yourself among peers and allies, our booth is open to you. Stop by the IGLTA Booth in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavillion to say hello and find your place in our global community.
business of LGBTQ+ travel. This November, the industry will gather in Seville, Spain, for the 2026 event (November 17-21). Much like Berlin, Seville is a great example of a city that respects its history while being open and welcoming to everyone. The convention provides the ideal setting to move beyond the initial handshake and into the strategic plans that drive the sector forward, ensuring that the momentum started in Berlin results in measurable growth for the year ahead. Looking back to that first booth in 1999, the progress is obvious. But with progress comes a responsibility to move beyond words. We have passed the time of simply asking to be seen and into an era where LGBTQ+ travel is a respected, professional part of the global market. As we look at the future of the ITB Global Travel Collection , IGLTA is here to make sure the industry keeps moving toward a world that isn’t just ‘friendly’ on paper, but truly welcoming in practice.
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