Exploring the world should be an exciting and welcoming experience for everyone. But traveling as an LGBTQ+ person can require an extra layer of consideration and planning to navigate today’s travel landscape. Booking.com research* reveals that for almost half (48%) of Thai LGBTQ+ travelers, their identity has an impact on the preparation they do before booking a trip. For 81%, a key factor in their decision-making is whether they can truly be their most authentic selves while traveling. This highlights how making informed travel decisions remains a vital part of consideration.
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world—regardless of who they love or how they identify—Booking.com launched Travel Proud program in 2021 to support LGBTQ+ travelers in planning their next trip with greater confidence. The Travel Proud program provides free inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to help them gain a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travelers, as well as what can be done to make every guest feel more welcome.
In only four years, there are now over 100,000 Travel Proud properties listed on the platform—across more than 150 countries and territories, and appearing in 16,000 cities and destinations. This marks a 49% increase compared to last year**, as accommodation partners across the world show their commitment to be more inclusive to guests, amid a complex global landscape.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, this means access to over 100,000 properties worldwide that are not only committed to celebrating diversity, but also to creating safe and inclusive spaces. In fact, for the majority of Thai LGBTQ+ travelers (83%), the increasing inclusivity within the travel industry has helped them feel more confident and comfortable when exploring the world.
