Many parts of the world have started to embrace more egalitarian policies and have become inclusive. While many parts of the country are still quite regressive when it comes to queer safety, others around the world are embracing equality. As per a report by Lemongrass 2024, which highlighted some travel trends, will be bigger than ever when it comes to queer travel. It is therefore crucial that the industry offers travel programmes that are safe for the people of the queer community.
Queer Travel Trends 2024: 24K Properties Worldwide Offer Inclusive Hospitality
The Lemongrass Annual Travel Trends report suggests that the newer generations are increasingly conscious of the way they travel. Social issues like Queer rights are increasingly important to them and hence, most prefer to visit places that are more progressive in that regard. Around 80 per cent of queer travellers take into account factors like safety when choosing a destination.
In 2022, this percentage was only 64 per cent which means that vigilance in the community has increased. What is more, around 41 per cent of queer travellers cancelled their bookings when they found out that the destination that they were travelling to did not support the queer community. This means that the aforementioned vigilance does not end when bookings are made.
This percentage is even higher within the trans community with a whopping 63 per cent. Hence, brands need to demonstrate that they are committed to the safety and well-being of the queer community. Booking.com now recognised more than 24,000 properties worldwide which offer inclusive hospitality through their Travel Proud Badge. This shows that there is a movement globally towards creating safe and affirming spaces for all kinds of travellers.
Also Read: Once A Refuge Space For The Queer Community, This San Francisco Cafeteria Is Now A Historic Landmark
Here Are Some Other Important Details To Know About This
Prior to embarking on a journey, the report found, queer people conduct a thorough research of the brands they will be engaging with. Around 66 per cent of travellers expressed that they were more inclined to book brands that are queer-owned. Pansexual travellers in particular showed a keen interest here as 71 per cent of the respondents expressed such likelihood.
For 2024, it was said that safe and inclusive travel must be ensured. The report cited a data platform, Influential, and said that just 14 per cent of Gen Z looked favourably at tokenism or rainbow flag campaigns. Such tactics employed by brands are easy to see through and the newer generations are not going to fall for half-hearted allyship.
Also Read: Delhiites! Get Ready For The 1st Opn Art House, A Queer-Inclusive Art Festival With 80+ Artists
What are your views on this? If you or a loved one are from the queer community, what are the biggest challenges that are faced when travelling? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images
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