Canada Joins Mexico, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and More in New LGBTQ+ Travel Safety and Inclusivity Dominate Conversations at ITB Berlin 2026

Canada joins Mexico, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and more in new LGBTQ+ travel safety and inclusivity dominate conversations at ITB Berlin 2026, marking a powerful shift in how the global tourism industry approaches equality, security and inclusive hospitality. As Canada joins Mexico, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and more in new LGBTQ+ travel safety and inclusivity dominate conversations at ITB Berlin 2026, travel leaders, hotel groups and global booking platforms are pushing forward urgent discussions about how tourism can become safer, more welcoming and more transparent for LGBTQ+ travellers worldwide.

Now, as Canada joins Mexico, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and more in new LGBTQ+ travel safety and inclusivity dominate conversations at ITB Berlin 2026, the travel sector is confronting critical questions. How can destinations guarantee safety? How can hotels remove bias from booking experiences? And how can tourism boards ensure that inclusivity becomes a global standard rather than a marketing slogan?

At ITB Berlin 2026, one of the world’s most influential travel industry gatherings, these conversations are no longer optional. Instead, they are shaping the future of global tourism. Canada joins Mexico, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and more in new LGBTQ+ travel safety and inclusivity dominate conversations at ITB Berlin 2026 as industry leaders unveil training programmes, certification labels and inclusive hospitality strategies designed to transform travel experiences.

Travel And Tour World urges readers to explore the full story as this powerful shift unfolds across the global tourism industry.

The global tourism industry is undergoing a transformation as destinations, hotels and travel companies increasingly recognise the need to create safe and inclusive travel experiences for LGBTQ+ travellers. This issue took centre stage at ITB Berlin 2026 during a powerful panel discussion at the LGBTQ+ pavilion, where tourism leaders discussed how the travel sector can address safety concerns and ensure that travellers from the LGBTQ+ community feel welcome wherever they go.

The session, titled “Travel Proud – Making Travel Truly Inclusive,” brought together industry experts, travel bloggers and hospitality executives to examine the barriers that LGBTQ+ travellers still face and the steps the tourism sector must take to overcome them. The discussion highlighted how inclusive tourism is becoming a critical priority for travel companies that want to remain competitive in an increasingly diverse global tourism market.

The conversation also reflected a growing recognition within the industry that inclusivity is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a strategic opportunity for businesses to build stronger relationships with travellers worldwide.

Personal Experiences Reveal the Reality of LGBTQ+ Travel

One of the most compelling moments of the panel came when Karl Krause, co-founder of the award-winning travel blog Couple of Men, shared his personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ traveller.

Krause explained that when he travels with his husband Dan Colijn, booking a hotel can raise unexpected concerns. Something as simple as reserving a room can prompt questions about how they will be received by hotel staff, whether they might face uncomfortable reactions, or whether their request for a double bed will be honoured without hesitation.

These uncertainties, Krause explained, often accompany LGBTQ+ travellers even when visiting destinations known for hospitality. Despite travelling extensively around the world, he and his partner still approach each booking with a level of caution.

Their experiences resonated strongly with the audience at ITB Berlin, reflecting the reality that many LGBTQ+ travellers continue to navigate similar concerns when planning trips.

Survey Data Highlights Safety Concerns Among Travellers

During the panel discussion, Stephanie Frank from Booking.com presented research that revealed the scale of the issue. The findings showed that concerns about safety and acceptance remain widespread among LGBTQ+ travellers.

According to the survey, around eighty per cent of people within the LGBTQ+ community worry about their safety when booking travel. In addition, one in three travellers fears judgemental reactions from hotel staff when arriving at accommodation.

The research also revealed a generational shift in attitudes toward identity and inclusivity. More than half of Gen Z respondents identified themselves as something other than straight, indicating that younger travellers increasingly expect destinations and travel providers to demonstrate openness and inclusivity.

These findings suggest that travel companies that fail to address inclusivity could risk losing the trust of future generations of travellers.

The Growing Impact of Booking.com’s Travel Proud Programme

In response to these concerns, Booking.com has developed initiatives designed to help hospitality providers create safer and more welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ guests. One of the most significant programmes is the Travel Proud initiative.

The programme offers free training for hotels and accommodation providers, helping staff better understand the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ travellers. Training sessions focus on respectful communication, awareness of diverse identities and creating a welcoming environment for all guests.

Through this programme, more than 125,000 accommodations around the world have already received Travel Proud certification. This label signals to travellers that the property has committed to providing inclusive hospitality.

For many travellers, this certification provides reassurance when selecting accommodation in unfamiliar destinations.

The Role of IGLTA in Promoting Inclusive Tourism

Another key voice during the ITB Berlin panel was Clark Massad from the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), an organisation that has been advocating for inclusive tourism since 1983.

IGLTA works with tourism businesses, destinations and travel organisations to raise awareness about the needs of LGBTQ+ travellers. The association also provides guidance, training and marketing support to help tourism companies adopt more inclusive practices.

Massad emphasised that certain groups within the LGBTQ+ community face particularly complex travel challenges. Transgender travellers, for example, can encounter difficulties at border crossings when the gender marker on travel documents does not match their appearance or identity.

These situations can create stress and uncertainty, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding within international travel systems.

To address these issues, IGLTA offers several resources, including language guides and educational tools designed to help tourism providers communicate more respectfully with LGBTQ+ travellers.

Certification and Labels Offer Guidance to Travellers

During the discussion, industry leaders also emphasised the importance of certification systems that help travellers identify welcoming destinations and accommodation providers.

The IGLTA label is one such certification. Hotels and tourism businesses that receive this label demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and equality.

According to Clark Massad, these labels are increasingly valued not only by LGBTQ+ travellers but also by other guests who appreciate diversity and inclusive hospitality.

Certification programmes provide travellers with an additional layer of confidence when selecting accommodation, particularly in destinations where attitudes toward LGBTQ+ communities may vary.

Hospitality Companies Recognise the Business Benefits

Gloria Milani, Senior Director for Travel Management Companies and Consortia at Accor, explained during the panel that inclusivity initiatives also deliver clear business benefits.

Many Accor hotels have already become Travel Proud certified, reflecting the company’s commitment to welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds. Milani noted that training staff to understand the needs of LGBTQ+ travellers can lead to stronger customer satisfaction and repeat visits.

Hotels that demonstrate inclusivity often build reputations for open-minded hospitality, which attracts travellers seeking respectful and comfortable environments.

In an increasingly competitive global tourism market, such reputations can become valuable assets for hospitality brands.

Inclusive Tourism Becomes a Global Industry Priority

The discussions at ITB Berlin 2026 highlight how the global travel industry is increasingly focusing on inclusivity as an essential component of modern tourism.

Travellers today expect more than beautiful destinations and comfortable accommodation. They also expect respect, safety and acceptance wherever they go.

As the tourism sector continues to expand and diversify, industry leaders are recognising that creating inclusive travel environments is vital for long-term growth.

Events like ITB Berlin provide a global platform for these conversations, bringing together tourism professionals from around the world to share ideas and develop solutions that improve the travel experience for everyone.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, these discussions represent progress toward a future where booking a trip does not come with uncertainty or concern.

Instead, the goal of inclusive tourism is simple but powerful: ensuring that every traveller feels welcome, respected and safe, no matter where their journey takes them.

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