LGBTQ+ tourism is a major force in travel.
In North America alone, the LGBTQ+ tourism market was estimated at 108.33 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to reach about 170.53 billion USD by 2030.
At the same time, safety and inclusion strongly shape choices: a 2024 global survey from Booking.com found 59 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers have experienced discrimination when traveling, and destination policies can change plans overnight.
Key stats: LGBTQ+ Tourism
- The LGBTQ+ tourism market was worth about USD 311 billion in 2024 and is expected to swell to USD 521 billion by 2031 (CAGR ~7.5%).
- Alternative forecasts see the market climbing to USD 604 billion by 2032, beginning from USD 357 billion in 2025.
- In North America, the market was estimated at USD 108.33 billion in 2024, with growth projected at 8.2% through 2030.
- In U.S. travel, LGBTQ+ travelers make up 7–10% of the market, often spending above average.
- 55% of LGBTQ+ travelers vet local LGBTQ+ rights before booking; 43% have canceled travel plans due to perceived unfriendliness.
- Though LGBTQ+ individuals may constitute ~4–5% of the population, they are often cited as responsible for ~13% of global travel spending.
- Countries like Canada, Iceland, Malta, Portugal, Spain top the 2025 Gay Travel Index as most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations.
- Booking.com’s 2024 research: 59 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers have experienced discrimination while traveling.
- By late 2024, more than 67,000 properties across 133 countries had earned Booking.com’s Travel Proud badge for inclusive hospitality.
- Policy matters: in IGLTA Foundation’s 2024 study, 80 percent of U.S. LGBTQ+ respondents saw Florida as unwelcoming; roughly half of meeting planners said they were hesitant or unwilling to book there.
How big is the market and where is it growing?
The most robust sizing we have with transparent methodology is regional.
Grand View Research estimates North America’s LGBTQ+ tourism market at 108.33 billion USD in 2024, on track for 170.53 billion USD by 2030 at 8.2 percent CAGR.
Several global market trackers put the worldwide LGBTQ+ tourism value in the 300–360 billion USD range for 2024–2025, but methodologies vary.
Treat global totals as directional; regional cuts (like North America) are better documented.
Market size and growth (selected, most recent)
| Scope | Base year | Value | Forecast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America (Grand View Research) | 2024 | 108.33B USD | 170.53B USD by 2030 (8.2% CAGR) | Most detailed regional view. |
| Global (reports consensus) | 2024–2025 | ~311–357B USD | ~520–604B USD by 2031–2033 | Methodologies differ; use with caution. |
How are safety and policy affecting trips?
Safety is the throughline.
Booking.com’s 2024 research reports 59 percent of LGBTQ+ travelers have faced discrimination on trips.
A 2025 round-up of LGBTQ+ risk mapping highlights Spain and Canada as standouts for safety and acceptance.
IGLTA Foundation’s 2024 analysis shows how state policy can depress meetings and leisure demand: 80 percent of U.S. LGBTQ+ respondents viewed Florida as unwelcoming; 49 percent of global and 52 percent of U.S. LGBTQ+ meeting planners were hesitant or unwilling to book there.
Safety and behavior signals
| Indicator | Latest datapoint |
|---|---|
| Travelers reporting discrimination | 59% of LGBTQ+ travelers (Booking.com, 2024) |
| Perception leaders for safety | Spain and Canada (A3M 2025 risk map coverage) |
| Policy impact example | Florida perceived unwelcoming by 80% of U.S. LGBTQ+ respondents; ~half of planners avoid or hesitate to book (IGLTA Foundation, 2024) |
How is the industry responding?
One visible shift is the growth of verified inclusive hospitality.
Booking.com’s Travel Proud training and certification scaled from 24,000 to more than 67,000 properties worldwide by late 2024, across 133 countries and over 12,000 cities.
These badges and trainings help travelers identify welcoming stays and help properties upskill staff.
Experience providers are also recalibrating.
Arival’s 2024 analysis finds LGBTQ+ travelers do and spend more on in-destination experiences than other travelers, and they reward brands and destinations that are authentically welcoming.
What do we know about preferences and planning?
Multiple data points point to values-based decision making.
Booking.com’s research shows many LGBTQ+ travelers actively research brands’ support for the community and prefer destinations with established LGBTQ+ tourism.
In a 2024 summary, 71 percent of surveyed LGBTQ+ travelers said pop culture influences their bookings, and 60 percent prefer destinations where LGBTQ+ tourism is already well established.
Nearly half reported canceling trips after perceiving a destination as unsupportive.
At-a-glance LGBTQ+ travel stats
| Theme | Stat |
|---|---|
| Market size, North America | 108.33B USD in 2024; 170.53B USD by 2030 (8.2% CAGR) |
| Discrimination on trips | 59% of LGBTQ+ travelers have experienced discrimination |
| Inclusive properties | 67,000+ Travel Proud-certified stays in 133 countries |
| Policy impact on demand | 80% view Florida as unwelcoming; ~50% planners hesitant to book |
| Safety leaders | Spain and Canada highlighted as safest in 2025 outlooks |
FAQ
How big is LGBTQ+ tourism today?
Regionally, the North American LGBTQ+ tourism market is estimated at 108.33 billion USD in 2024, growing to 170.53 billion USD by 2030. Global estimates vary widely due to differing methods.
Do many LGBTQ+ travelers face discrimination?
Yes. Booking.com’s 2024 global research reports 59 percent have experienced discrimination while traveling.
Which destinations are considered safer in 2025?
Risk mapping and traveler perception round-ups frequently cite Spain and Canada among the safest and most welcoming. Always verify local laws and norms before you go.
Does policy really change where people go?
Yes. IGLTA Foundation’s 2024 study shows policy climates can depress leisure and meetings demand; many planners and travelers avoid destinations seen as unwelcoming.
Sources
- Grand View Research — North America LGBTQ Tourism Market Size, Share & Forecast
- Grand View Research (press) — North America LGBTQ Tourism Market to Reach $170.53B by 2030
- Booking.com Newsroom — How LGBTQ+ Travelers Are Taking Control of Their Trips (2024)
- Globetrender — Booking.com boosts Travel Proud; key stats on discrimination and certified properties
- IGLTA Foundation — State Policy Impact on LGBTQ+ Tourism (2024 findings)
- FTNnews — How Safe Is LGBTQ+ Travel in 2025? Risk map highlights
- Arival — LGBTQ+ Travelers Do and Spend More on Experiences (2024)
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