LGBT+ tourism is more popular than ever

The LGBT+ community is well-accustomed to banding together for protection, acceptance and fighting for its rights. Increasingly, however, its members are uniting for a more exciting purpose: group travel adventures.

Whether it’s party-centric travel to global Pride events or exclusive, culturally rich tours to more unusual destinations, the LGBT+ tourism market is set to grow at a predicted 7.8 per cent year-on-year from 2025 to 2032, according to Coherent Market Insights. This surge is expected to elevate the market to US$604.34 billion.

In response to this growing demand, the travel industry is crafting tailored opportunities to welcome and celebrate these dynamic travellers.

The more, the merrier

What makes group travel appealing to the LGBT+ community in particular is the opportunity for camaraderie and shared experiences. Travel companies including Out Adventures and Out of Office have become increasingly popular, offering curated, inclusive experiences.

“Our guests choose companies like us because they know we put an emphasis on bringing our groups together like a family, and it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll fly home with a few more friends than they had prior to the trip,” says Robert Sharp, owner of Out Adventures.

A tour operator’s expertise also makes a world of difference, according to Jaike Rowe, sales and product manager at Out of Office. “Certain itineraries, such as extensive island-hopping in Greece, can be complicated to book on your own,” he says. “You have to really know a destination to make sense of all the options and logistics. Group tours can take you to places you wouldn’t normally visit.”

Jonathan Lechtman, owner of Travel Republic Africa , which specialises in corporate group tours, often chooses to spend his own vacations exploring the world with gay group trips. “I know first-hand how much effort goes into planning these excursions, so it’s great to sit back, enjoy the ride and meet new people along the way,” he says.

Exploring LGBT+-friendly Asia

Traditionally, popular destinations have been longstanding queer capitals such as Barcelona, Mykonos and San Francisco. However, destinations throughout Asia are becoming equally attractive hubs for the LGBT+ community.

Of course, progressive, gay-friendly cities such as Bangkok have long lured LGBT+ visitors. Renowned for their dynamic nightlife, spirited Pride celebrations and vibrant events, such as Songkran and circuit parties, these colourful capitals continue to be sought-after for lively LGBT+ group trips.

“Asia has always been one of our top-selling regions, with our first-ever tour taking place in Thailand back in 2009,” says Sharp.

However, not all tourists want the non-stop party experience and, instead, increasingly seek immersive cultural experiences, opting for tours to Cambodia and Laos’ stunning Buddhist sites, cruises along the serene Mekong River and visits to admireJapan’s breathtaking cherry blossoms.

“We’re also seeing a huge demand for small-ship cruises in Asia,” says Sharp. “We have some annual cruise staples, such as Croatia, Egypt and the Galapagos Islands but, this year, we’ve also added exciting cruises to Cambodia and Vietnam.”

Hey, big spender

For those who desire exclusivity and a touch of the extraordinary, a wealth of luxury queer group holidays awaits.

“Our trips range from four-star, adventure-based itineraries that are very focused on the social side of things to ultra-luxury, five-star itineraries designed for the most discerning travellers,” says Out of Office’s Rowe.

The operator’s bespoke tours include a Big Five adventure in South Africa, a charming river cruise from Amsterdam to Brussels, and Enchanting India , an immersive tour that begins in the heart of Delhi and takes in the Taj Mahal, a tiger sanctuary and the appropriately pink-hued city of Jaipur.