ITB Berlin, Diversity Tourism, and A3M Global Monitoring have released findings from a survey conducted between December 2024 and April 2025, examining the safety perceptions of LGBTQ+ travelers. The survey, titled “Perceptions and Experiences of LGBTQ+ Travellers,” gathered responses from the LGBTQ+ community via newsletters, social media, and the Tomontour.de travel portal. It included 16 questions focusing on social acceptance, legal rights, safety with authorities, and experiences with police and healthcare systems.
The survey results indicate that Canada and Spain are perceived as the safest destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, with respondents reporting high levels of respect and acceptance. In Canada, 100% of participants reported receiving respectful treatment, while 90% in Spain felt comfortable showing affection in public. Both countries were also recognized for supportive police interactions.
Conversely, the United States presented mixed results, with only about one-third of respondents feeling comfortable displaying affection or finding the police LGBTQ+ friendly. The survey highlighted significant regional disparities, with progressive cities differing from more conservative areas.
In Germany, despite progressive legal frameworks, social acceptance remains cautious. Approximately half of the respondents felt at ease in public or believed they were treated equally by authorities.
The survey also revealed disparities within the LGBTQ+ community, with transgender and intersex individuals facing more frequent discrimination compared to gay men. The feedback, collected from 123 participants, was deemed robust, though only countries with at least four responses were included in the analysis.
Expert interviews conducted alongside the survey provided additional context. In South America, countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Peru demonstrated high tolerance levels in tourist regions despite restrictive legislation. In China and Dubai, authorities were described as pragmatic if travelers remained discreet. However, challenges persist for transgender and intersex travelers, particularly regarding unrecognized gender entries in passports and the lack of training for security staff.
The survey’s findings will be incorporated into the upcoming ITB Berlin event scheduled for March 3-5, 2026, and will inform future developments in the LGBTQ+ travel segment. A3M Global Monitoring has also published its LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2025, documenting global developments in LGBTQ+ rights.
Positive changes noted in the map include the decriminalization of homosexual acts in Dominica and Namibia, and the legalization of same-sex marriages in Thailand. However, setbacks were observed in Iraq, Mali, Trinidad and Tobago, and Georgia, where new laws have restricted LGBTQ+ rights.
A3M plans to establish an international network for LGBTQ+ traveler safety, aiming to enhance visibility, safety, and respect worldwide. The survey will be conducted annually to track ongoing developments systematically.
Discover more at ITB Berlin.
