Travelers prioritize inclusion: 76% feel more comfortable in destinations that promote it.
Pride Month is celebrated from June 1st to 30th, a day to recognize the historic struggle of the LGBTIQ+ community for equality. Its origins date back to the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, a key event that propelled the movement for their rights.
Zurich is an inclusive destination. Photo: iStock
In this context, Booking.com conducted a study that revealed that for 44 percent of the LGBTIQ travel community in Colombia , their identity is key when choosing a destination, accommodation, and even travel experiences. Furthermore, 69 percent of respondents believe it is essential to be able to express themselves authentically when traveling.
The analysis also reveals that 76 percent of Colombians believe that seeing greater inclusion in tourism makes them feel more comfortable exploring new destinations. This month, the platform highlights seven LGBTIQ+-friendly options around the world.
This bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. Photo: iStock
- Turin, Italy. The birthplace of Italy's first gay liberation movement during the 1970s, Turin keeps that spirit alive with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene centered around the San Salvario neighborhood. With its blend of history, culture, and cuisine, Turin offers LGBTQ+ travelers a stylish, inclusive, and characterful destination.
- Panama City. Historically a cultural hub, Panama City is now consolidating its position as an emerging destination for the LGBTIQ+ community. Neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, Vía Argentina, and San Francisco lead the way with inclusive bars, cafes, and events. Pride celebrations grow each year. With gems like the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo, the city combines history, modernity, and diversity into an unforgettable experience.
- Zurich, Switzerland. With its mix of natural beauty, urban life, and rich queer history, the city offers a multitude of experiences, from swimming in the badis to exploring its Old Town to enjoying art at the Kunsthaus. Today, spaces like the Kweer bar keep its LGBTQ+ heritage alive in one of the most stylish and inclusive settings on the continent. To experience what the city has to offer in just six hours, visitors can try The Zurich Mix: Walking Tour, Cruise, and Cable Car.
- Brighton & Hove, United Kingdom. Hailed as the gay capital of the UK, Brighton & Hove is much more than an LGBTQ+-friendly destination: it's a proudly diverse and vibrant city. Its Kemptown district can be explored on a tour of LGBTQ+ cafes, street art, and drag shows, while Brighton Pride fills the city with color every August.
- Florianópolis, Brazil. Beyond its idyllic beaches, Florianópolis is a symbol of inclusion and freedom, and one of Brazil's most popular LGBTQ+ destinations. Visitors often spend their days hiking the lush jungle trail of Lagoinha do Leste, exploring lagoons like Lagoa da Conceição, or enjoying a caipirinha at Praia Mole, the island's unofficial gay beach, where music fills the air. The city offers a diverse and welcoming experience with bars, shows, and celebrations like its Gay Carnival.
- Sydney, Australia. Sydney is a world-class LGBTQ+ destination, where Pride is celebrated year-round. Neighborhoods like Darlinghurst and Surry Hills stand out for their inclusive atmosphere, with iconic landmarks like the Stonewall Hotel. From drag shows and inclusive bingo halls to yoga in North Bondi and performances at the Sydney Opera House, the city combines natural beauty, culture, and diversity, offering a warm and vibrant experience for travelers.
- Porto, Portugal. Its LGBTQ+ scene is intimate yet vibrant, with bars like Pride, Café Lusitano, and Zoom Club. Beyond the nightlife, it invites leisurely exploration, from walks along Ribeira and tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia to romantic sunsets in the Crystal Palace Gardens. Travelers can join LGBTour Porto for a guided walk through the historic city center or cross the Dom Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia for riverside port wine tastings.
Sydney is a world-class LGBTIQ+ destination, where Pride is celebrated year-round. Photo: Courtesy
ANGIE RODRÍGUEZ - TRAVEL EDITORIAL - @ANGS0614
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