ITB survey reveals shifting safety perceptions among LGBTQ+ travellers

International

Canada and the Netherlands receive particularly positive ratings, while perceptions of safety and social acceptance in the US have deteriorated significantly

Safety is becoming an increasingly important factor in travel decisions among LGBTQ+ travellers. A new survey by ITB Berlin, A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism shows that legal protections alone do not determine whether a destination is perceived as safe. Social acceptance, regional differences and personal experiences with authorities, service providers and local communities also play a significant role.

The LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Survey 2026 was conducted between December 2025 and May 2026 and supplemented by interviews with tourism experts and experienced LGBTQ+ travellers. Combined with A3M Global Monitoring's updated LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026, the study provides a picture of changing perceptions of safety and acceptance around the world.

Two years of data reveal changing perceptions

The latest survey follows the first study conducted in 2025, allowing developments to be compared over time for the first time. A total of 69 travel experts and travellers assessed 28 countries in the 2026 edition. Across the two surveys, data are now available for 46 countries and territories.

The organisers stress that the results should not be interpreted as an international ranking. Instead, they provide a qualitative analysis of travellers' experiences and perceptions, complementing assessments based primarily on legislation.

The findings indicate that LGBTQ+ travellers are increasingly considering acceptance, visibility and personal safety alongside traditional criteria such as price, services and infrastructure when choosing a destination. Experiences can also differ considerably within the community, with transgender, non-binary and other marginalised travellers reporting insecurity and discrimination more frequently.

Canada and the Netherlands receive highest ratings

Canada and the Netherlands achieve the strongest overall assessments for social acceptance, while Spain and Austria also perform particularly well. Respondents report predominantly positive experiences regarding respectful treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, public displays of affection and interactions with police and authorities in Canada and the Netherlands.

The results nevertheless underline that national legislation does not necessarily reflect everyday experiences throughout an entire country. Even destinations with extensive LGBTQ+ rights can show considerable regional differences in perceived safety and acceptance.

Sharp deterioration in perceptions of the US

The most significant change compared with the previous survey concerns the United States. Only 17 per cent of respondents in 2026 agreed that LGBTQ+ individuals and couples are treated respectfully in society, compared with 35 per cent in 2025.

Perceptions of police treatment followed a similar pattern, falling from 39 to 17 per cent. The share of respondents who believed LGBTQ+ people could safely report discrimination or hate crimes declined from 52 to 33 per cent.

At the same time, the picture is not uniformly negative. The proportion of respondents who perceived an active LGBTQ+ scene accessible to tourists increased from 61 to 83 per cent. In 2026, all respondents confirmed the existence of popular LGBTQ+ areas. The findings suggest that established communities and major urban centres continue to provide important safe spaces despite concerns about the wider social climate.

Germany shows widening regional differences

Germany receives a mixed assessment. Respondents recognise extensive legal protections and equality while reporting substantial differences between urban and rural areas. Major cities are generally perceived as more open and safe, while reservations or hostility are reported more frequently in conservative regions.

The proportion of respondents identifying certain parts of Germany as areas of increased risk for LGBTQ+ people rose from 65 per cent in 2025 to 71 per cent in 2026.

Digital risks emerge as a growing concern

Safety concerns are also shifting into the digital sphere. Experts interviewed for the survey report cases in which dating apps and social media platforms have been used to target LGBTQ+ people for scams, robbery or attacks. Such incidents are not confined to countries with restrictive LGBTQ+ legislation and have also been reported in Europe.

Preparation therefore remains an important part of travel planning. Information about local laws, experiences reported by other travellers, LGBTQ+-friendly accommodation and advice from specialist tour operators can help travellers assess potential risks. Local expertise can be particularly important in destinations where the legal or social situation is complex.

Risk Map records progress and setbacks

Alongside the survey, A3M Global Monitoring has published its updated LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026. The analysis records positive developments in countries including Canada, the Netherlands, Austria, China and Colombia.

Elsewhere, restrictions have increased. Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan and Belarus are among the countries where new regulations or tighter legal restrictions have affected LGBTQ+ rights, visibility or organisation.

ITB Berlin, A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism intend to repeat the survey annually to create a long-term database tracking LGBTQ+ travel safety. The aim is to identify changes over time and provide guidance for both travellers and the tourism industry.