Two-year comparative survey by ITB Berlin highlights new developments in perceived safety for queer travellers worldwide

Second joint survey by ITB Berlin, A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism analyses global trends: Canada, the Netherlands, Spain and Austria are among positive-rated destinations, whereas perceptions of the situation in the US have changed significantly.

LGBTQ+ tourism has for decades been one of the largest and most dynamic international markets. At the same time, questions regarding safety, social acceptance and reliable guidance for queer travellers worldwide have become increasingly important. Against this backdrop and in collaboration with the safety and travel risk analysis provider A3M Global Monitoring and the LGBTQ+ tourism specialist and networking platform Diversity Tourism, ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, has for the second time conducted a comprehensive survey on LGBTQ+ travel safety.

The findings show that safety when travelling depends not only on the legal situation. Social acceptance, regional differences and personal experiences on the ground are equally important. The survey highlights how perceptions of travel safety have changed over two years and the factors shaping queer travellers’ sense of safety.

The LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Survey 2026 was carried out from December 2025 to May 2026 and also features interviews with LGBTQ+ tourism experts and experienced travellers. In conjunction with the updated LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026 by A3M Global Monitoring, it highlights current developments in safety, social acceptance and risks for queer travellers worldwide.

Second ITB survey compares data over two years for the first time

Following the first survey in 2025, the current edition makes it possible to analyse changes and trends for the first time. The first survey for the most part provided an overview of queer travellers’ experiences, while the second one shows how perceptions have shifted over the course of a year.

Taking part in the 2026 survey were 69 travel experts and travellers who gave their evaluations of 28 countries around the world. It means that assessments from the two years in question are now available for a total of 46 countries and territories.

The findings are not to be interpreted as an international ranking, but as a qualitative analysis of the experiences and perceptions of LGBTQ+ travellers. It is precisely this angle that augments current assessments that often focus primarily on comparing legal situations.

LGBTQ+ tourism is growing: perceived safety is becoming a key element of travel decisions

The survey confirms the growing importance of LGBTQ+ tourism. Queer travellers are now planning their trips with greater attention to detail, taking into account not merely traditional aspects such as price, services and infrastructure, but also issues of social acceptance, visibility and safety.

The survey also reveals that a country’s legal situation is only part of the picture. What matters most is whether travellers feel respected locally, whether they can be open about their identity in public, and how they interact with authorities, service providers and society. What is noteworthy is the differing perceptions within the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender and non-binary people and other marginalised groups report feeling insecure and experiencing discrimination more frequently.

Canada, the Netherlands, Spain and Austria receive particularly high ratings

When it comes to assessing social acceptance, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain and Austria score particularly highly. Canada and the Netherlands are rated best overall. Respondents rate the respectful treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples there, being able to display affection in public, and interactions with the police and authorities as overwhelmingly positive.

Spain and Austria also receive high ratings, with the findings confirming these countries as established LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations.

At the same time, the survey highlights that even countries with legally enshrined LGBTQ rights can exhibit regional differences. Perceptions of safety depend heavily on the specific destination and social environment.

US: social acceptance is declining, safe spaces remain important

The most significant shift compared with 2025 is evident in the United States.

The first ITB Berlin survey had already highlighted uncertainties as a result of political and social developments. In 2026, respondents gave an even more critical assessment of LGBTQ+ people’s social acceptance.

The proportion of participants who agree that LGBTQ+ people and couples are treated with respect in society fell from 35 per cent in 2025 to 17 per cent in 2026. Respectful treatment by the police was also rated significantly lower, and was down from 39 per cent to 17 per cent. The perception that LGBTQ+ people are able to safely report discrimination or hate crimes fell from 52 per cent to 33 per cent.

At the same time, the year-on-year comparison shows a positive trend in LGBTQ+ safe spaces. The perception that an active LGBTQ+ scene exists that is accessible to tourists rose from 61 per cent in 2025 to 83 per cent in 2026. The existence of popular LGBTQ+ areas was confirmed by all respondents in 2026. The findings thus paint a mixed picture. While the social climate has deteriorated in some parts, urban centres and established LGBTQ+ communities remain important safe spaces.

Germany: legal equality, but regional differences also

Respondents’ views on Germany are mixed. On the one hand, comprehensive legal safeguards and a high degree of equality exist. On the other hand, the survey shows social acceptance varying from region to region.

There are noticeable differences in particular between major cities and rural regions. While urban areas are often experienced as open and safe, respondents point to more conservative regions where LGBTQ+ people can still face reservations or hostility.

The perception of no-go areas also remains an issue. The proportion of respondents who see certain regions in Germany as posing an increased risk to LGBTQ+ people rose from 65 per cent in 2025 to 71 per cent in 2026.

New challenges: digital risks and political developments

The additional interviews featured show that for LGBTQ+ travellers safety issues are significantly changing.

Alongside legal restrictions and social rejection, the focus is increasingly on digital risks. Experts report cases where dating apps or social media platforms are used to specifically scam, rob or attack LGBTQ+ people.

These risks are not confined to countries with repressive legislation. Similar experiences have also been reported from European countries. Thus, intelligent use of digital platforms and careful preparation remain key elements of safe travel.

Furthermore, experts point out that political developments can influence perceptions of safety even in liberal democracies. The situation of transgender people in particular is mentioned as an area where changes are especially evident.

Experts confirm: preparation offers guidance

At the same time, the interviews show that LGBTQ+ travellers often take potential risks very seriously. Information on the legal situation, the experiences of other travellers, LGBTQ+-friendly accommodation and recommendations from specialist tour operators are a key part of travel planning.

Particularly in countries where the legal situation or social acceptance is complex, local expertise and professional networks can be crucial. Tour operators not only fulfil a safety role but can also facilitate encounters between travellers and local communities.

LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026 highlights global progress and setbacks

Alongside the publication of the survey, A3M Global Monitoring is presenting the updated LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026, which documents current developments regarding the legal situation and travel safety for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

Among the positive developments are progress in protecting LGBTQ+ people in Canada, the Netherlands, Austria, China, Colombia and other countries.

At the same time, the analysis highlights contrasting trends. Several countries have tightened legal restrictions or introduced new regulations limiting the rights, visibility or organisation of LGBTQ+ people. They include, among others, Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Long-term database for LGBTQ+ travel safety

With this annual survey, ITB Berlin, A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism aim to establish a long-term database on LGBTQ+ travel safety. The findings are intended to highlight trends and provide guidance for travellers and the tourism industry.

The second survey clearly shows that queer travel is continuing to grow worldwide. At the same time, safety remains a crucial factor for the future of inclusive tourism. Reliable data, international cooperation and ongoing monitoring of social developments remain key to ensuring that LGBTQ+ travellers can travel more safely and independently worldwide.