LGBTQ travelers and their families are a growing target market for the travel industry, with resorts, cruise lines and many new destinations now offering gay-friendly options. Before the COVID pandemic , many destinations and hotel chains began conducting sensitivity trainings to better serve diverse LGBTQ travelers, beyond what is depicted in stereotypical branding.
Now that COVID restrictions are loosening , many destinations are focused on simply attracting travelers back, Salvato says. Eventually they will return to sensitivity trainings and marketing toward specific segments of the LGBTQ community that they had started before the pandemic.
Specific locations include:. Source: Family Vacationist. As a result of the COVID pandemic, many travelers have reevaluated the importance of utilizing a travel adviser because many who had scheduled trips before the global lockdown ended up losing their money due to cancellations.
Salvato says LGBTQ people like specific recommendations from an agent they can trust because they want to know that their concerns are understood. He recommends:. As cruises get set to sail again , LGBTQ travelers may find other increased options from cruise lines. McDaniel recommends that travelers look for particular onboard meetups, as well as fellow travelers or an agent to learn what the onboard experience and offerings will be. A number of charter cruises cater specifically to gay and lesbian travelers.
For example, Atlantis Events and Olivia offer a wide range of sailings. The online travel magazine put together a list of five gay-friendly, all-inclusive resorts that can serve as a suitable option outside of the long-term traditional locations, such as Provincetown and Key West. The company also offers a curated database of gay and gay-friendly hotels. LGBTQ outdoor excursions serve as another vacation option for individuals hoping to connect with nature.
