Almost one in four Attitude readers have had issues checking into a hotel as a same-sex couple
The results of the Attitude Travel Survey, supported by Belmond are in.
By Will Stroude
Almost one in four Attitude readers have had issues checking into a hotel as a same-sex couple, according to an exclusive new survey from Attitude and luxury hospitality brand Belmond.
The Attitude Travel Survey, supported by Belmond, heard from 3,430 respondents in February 2021 as readers shed light on their experiences as LGBTQ travellers.
The results of the survey – which you can see in full in the Attitude May issue, out now to download and to order globally – show that while the travel choices of many queer people are shaped by factors including local LGBTQ equality laws and culture, a significant proportion have faced prejudice abroad because of their sexuality.
In fact, well over a quarter of respondents (27%) reporting that they’ve encountered homophobia or transphobia while travelling.
Of those, 60% have been on the receiving end of it more than once, with a third saying it has happened three times or more.
Such instances aren’t confined to public places: more than a fifth of LGBTQ+ travellers have experienced homophobia within a resort or hotel.
Worse, on checking into a hotel, almost one in four Attitude readers have had issues or felt discomfort on being recognised as a same-sex couple.
Small wonder that almost three-quarters of LGBTQ+ travellers (73%) have been dissuaded from returning to a place where they have had such an experience, and little more than a third of Attitude readers feel safe showing affection to their partner while travelling abroad.
More than 70% of Attitude readers have travelled for a Pride event, well over half (57%) for cultural events, more than a third (38%) for festivals and just less than a quarter (24%) for parties.
It’s no surprise that 92% of Attitude readers will engage with local queer culture when travelling by visiting gay venues, 53% will attend LGBTQ+ events and almost 57% will make the effort to meet gay people locally.
And while 58% of LGBTQ+ travellers will “find their tribe” at a gay venue, 31% will do so via friends, 27% by dating apps and 23% on social media.
As the world economy begins its long road to recovery, with a colossal annual spend exceeding USD$218 billion (WTM, November 2018), it’s clear that businesses and governments alike would do well to consider the value of respecting LGBTQ+ tourism and encouraging local queer rights and equality.
See the full results of the Attitude Travel Survey, supported by Belmond in the Attitude May issue, out now to download and to order globally.
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