ITB Berlin 2026: LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion positions inclusion as a growth strategy

Germany

New partners join the Pavilion in Hall 4.1, Spain strengthens its presence, and a comprehensive programme highlights diversity, safety and resilience as key drivers of sustainable tourism growth

From 3 to 5 March 2026, the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion will once again be represented at ITB Berlin in Hall 4.1. Bringing together destinations, companies and media partners, the Pavilion underlines the growing economic relevance of LGBTQ+ tourism and sends a clear message: inclusion is no longer a niche value, but a decisive growth factor for the global tourism industry.

New partners and a stronger industry signal

A major first in 2026 is the debut of Booking.com as both exhibitor and supporting partner of the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion. Also joining as supporting partners are Queer Destinations and Valencia, host city of the Gay Games 2026.

For the first time, the dating app Grindr will participate as presenting partner of the LGBTQ+ Tourism Lounge, adding a strong community and market perspective to the Pavilion. München Tourismus is confirmed as Premium Partner for 2026.

Spain in focus as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination

Spain takes centre stage in this year’s Pavilion, reinforcing its positioning as one of Europe’s leading LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations. Queer Destinations appears for the first time as a supporting partner, accompanied by co-exhibitors such as the Basque Country and Salou. Valencia returns as a supporting partner together with Benidorm, offering an international preview of the Gay Games 2026.

Additional Spanish exhibitors include JN Global Project, presenting destinations such as Madrid, Torremolinos, Gandia and Gran Canaria, further underlining the country’s strategic commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism.

Media Brunch and Convention panel: safety, resilience and future readiness

On Tuesday morning, the LGBTQ+ Media Brunch will take place in the Pavilion in Hall 4.1, bringing together international media and partners to discuss current market developments, destination trends and global projects.

For the first time, Turespaña and the city of Sevilla will appear jointly as presenting partners. During the Media Brunch they will introduce the IGLTA Convention, scheduled to take place in Sevilla in November 2026, highlighting Spain’s focus on international visibility and long-term engagement in LGBTQ+ tourism.

The topic will also feature prominently in the official ITB Berlin Convention programme. A panel discussion on the Diversity & Inclusion Track will explore how destinations and companies can translate inclusive values into resilient and safe travel offerings, even in the face of restrictive policies, social tensions and evolving risk environments. Representatives from Turespaña, Hotelbeds HBC Group, A3M Global Monitoring and Grindr are set to contribute to the discussion.

Data-driven insights and the LGBTQ+ Travel Risk Map

Alongside the Pavilion programme, ITB Berlin is conducting an international market survey in cooperation with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism, focusing on risks and real-life experiences of LGBTQ+ travellers. The findings will feed into the annual update of the global LGBTQ+ Travel Risk Map, scheduled for publication during Pride Month. Participation in the survey will remain open until April 2026.

Networking, Business Summit and awards

The Pavilion programme also includes a strong focus on networking and measurable business impact. A dedicated session will examine how inclusive tourism standards increasingly influence MICE decisions, corporate travel policies and employer branding, and why data, certifications and transparent criteria are becoming essential for credible market positioning.

The traditional LGBTQ+ Networking Reception will take place on Tuesday evening in the Pavilion, providing space for dialogue and new industry connections. On Thursday, the LGBTQ+ Business Summit will bring together representatives from corporate LGBTQ+ networks and major organisations to discuss the community’s current situation against the backdrop of global political and economic change. The day will also feature the presentation of the Gender Equality Awards.

Gala and international recognition

The programme will conclude with the invitation-only ITB Diversity Gala Reception & LGBTQ+ Awards Ceremony 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin. An international jury will honour outstanding individuals and organisations for their commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism.

The ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award, presented since 2018, will again recognise personal contributions to visibility and acceptance, while the ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award will highlight destinations or tourism providers demonstrating credible and sustainable engagement in the segment.