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Inclusion and Growth Strategy Highlighted at ITB Berlin 2026 LGBTQ+ Pavilion – Image Credit ITB Berlin
The LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion will return to ITB Berlin from March 3 to 5, 2026, in Hall 4.1, featuring new partners including Booking.com, Queer Destinations, Grindr, and Turespaña, with Spain taking a leading role among exhibitors.
The LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2026 will bring together destinations, companies, and media in Hall 4.1, underscoring the segment’s growing significance in the global tourism industry. Booking.com will debut as an exhibitor and supporting partner, joined by Queer Destinations and Valencia, host of the Gay Games 2026. Grindr will participate for the first time as the presenting partner of the LGBTQ+ Tourism Lounge, while München Tourismus serves as this year’s Premium Partner.
Spain will have an expanded presence in the pavilion. Queer Destinations will debut as a supporting partner, alongside co-exhibitors Basque Country and Salou, recognized as LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. Valencia and Benidorm will also be represented as supporting partners, with Valencia providing an international preview of the 2026 Gay Games. JN Global Project will showcase additional Spanish destinations, including Madrid, Torremolinos, Gandia, and Gran Canaria.
On Tuesday morning, the LGBTQ+ Media Brunch will take place in Hall 4.1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., bringing together press and partners to discuss current developments, destination trends, and international projects. In 2026, Turespaña and the city of Sevilla will serve as presenting partners and introduce the IGLTA Convention, scheduled for November 2026 in Sevilla, during the Media Brunch.
A panel discussion titled “From Risks to Resilience: Practical Steps for Inclusive LGBTQ+ Travel in the Future” is scheduled for Tuesday from 3:15 to 3:55 p.m. on the Green Stage in Hall 7.1b, as part of the Diversity & Inclusion Track at the ITB Berlin Convention. Representatives from Turespaña, Hotelbeds HBC Group, A3M Global Monitoring, and Grindr will discuss how destinations and companies can support inclusive travel amid restrictive policies and safety concerns.
ITB Berlin is conducting an international market survey, in partnership with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism, on the risks and experiences of LGBTQ+ travelers. The survey will run until April 2026, with results to be included in the annual update of the global LGBTQ+ Travel Risk Map, scheduled for publication during Pride Month.
The Pavilion will also feature a session titled “From Values to Value: Why Inclusive Tourism Is a Growth Strategy in 2026,” focusing on inclusion as a driver for economic growth, risk minimization, and competitiveness. The session will address the role of inclusive standards in MICE decisions, their impact on corporate travel and employer branding, and the importance of certifications, data, and clear criteria for market positioning.
The LGBTQ+ Networking Reception will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Hall 4.1, hosted by TOMONTOUR and supported by IGLTA and the Pink Pillow Berlin Collection, with Dorint Hotel on Kurfürstendamm sponsoring the event’s rainbow cake.
On Thursday, the LGBTQ+ Business Summit will take place in the pavilion, hosted by Jens Schadendorf, author of “GaYme Changer,” who will present his new book. Representatives from LGBTQ corporate networks, including Deutsche Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Pride Events, will discuss the current state of the LGBTQ+ community. The Gender Equality Awards will be presented on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:15 to 3 p.m., recognizing excellence in gender equality in tourism.
The event will conclude with the ITB Diversity Gala Reception & LGBTQ+ Awards Ceremony 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin on Thursday, March 5, from 7 to 11 p.m., by invitation only. The ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award 2026 is planned for Russell Lord of Kenes Tours, Israel, and the ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award 2026 for Basquetour (Basque Country), Spain.
