WTM: LGBTQ+ Travel Spending to Reach $568.5 Billion by 2030

The queer travel market is set to reach more than double its pre-pandemic levels by 2030, according to Jenny Southan, founder of Globetrender, the UK’s leading travel trend forecasting agency and online magazine dedicated to the future of travel.

Hosting a session on advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in travel during the Diversity and Inclusion Summit at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Southan said travel spending from queer people reached $218 billion in 2019 and, by 2030, it is predicted to reach $568.5 billion.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION SUMMIT: Beyond Borders: Advancing LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Travel
Jenny Southan, Editor, Founder, CEO, GlobeTrender, Jānis Dzenis, PRD, Wayaway, Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir, Founder, Moonlight Experiences, Uwern Jong, Editor-in-Chief, OutThere Magazine

However, Janis Dzenis, Communications Director and PR at WayAway, warned safety is still the major concern for many LGBTQ travellers, with research showing that half of them alter the way they behave overseas or dress differently to how they would at home.

Uwern Jong, Editor-in-Chief at OutThere magazine, said safe spaces play “a huge role” and pointed to developments such as the hotel accreditation developed by IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).

He also highlighted destinations that are safe, friendly and welcoming, such as Malta, California, Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia.

Uwern Jong, Editor-in-Chief, OutThere Magazine. Photo source: WTM London

Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir, founder of Moonlight Experiences, spoke about being an LGBTQIA+ ambassador for youth brand Contiki, advising on group travel policies, use of pronouns and training of drivers and managers.

During the summit, Courtney Maywald, Brand Strategy Director, Booking.com, outlined the online travel agency’s successful Travel Proud initiative, which has trained 50,000 accommodation providers to be more inclusive with LGBTQ+ travellers – and how it sponsors Pride events in Manchester and Amsterdam.

WTM London 2023 will wrap up on Wednesday.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is an official media partner of WTM London.