ITB Berlin partnered with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism to conduct its second joint LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Survey, analysing how queer travellers perceive safety worldwide. The survey collected data on travel safety perceptions influenced by social acceptance, legal status, regional differences, and personal experiences.
The 2026 survey was conducted between December 2025 and May 2026, involving evaluations from 69 travel experts and LGBTQ+ travellers on 28 countries. Combined with data from the 2025 survey, the study now covers perceptions across 46 countries and territories.
Factors Affecting LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Perceptions
The survey highlights that legal protections alone do not determine perceived safety. Respondents noted that
social acceptance, openness about identity in public, and interactions with police and authorities critically affect feelings of security. Variations are also apparent according to region, community, and individual experiences.
Country-Specific Safety Perceptions
Among destinations, Canada and the Netherlands ranked highest overall for social acceptance and respectful treatment of LGBTQ+ travellers. Spain and Austria also received strong ratings as established LGBTQ+-friendly countries.
The United States showed a marked decline in perceived social acceptance between 2025 and 2026. Respectful treatment of LGBTQ+ people in society dropped from 35% to 17%, while respectful treatment by police fell from 39% to 17%. The confidence in safely reporting
hate crimes or discrimination decreased from 52% to 33%. In contrast, urban LGBTQ+ spaces in the US gained in perceived accessibility, rising from 61% to 83% among respondents.
Respondents reported mixed views on Germany, where legal protections exist but social acceptance varies significantly by region. Urban areas were generally seen as safer and more welcoming, while rural and conservative regions were identified as higher-risk. The share of respondents seeing parts of Germany as no-go zones for LGBTQ+ people increased from 65% in 2025 to 71% in 2026.
Emerging Digital Risks and the Updated LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026
New concerns emerged about digital risks, with reports of scams and attacks on
LGBTQ+ individuals via dating apps and social media, even in countries with liberal legislation. Experts emphasized the importance of cautious digital platform use and preparation.
A3M Global Monitoring released the LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2026 alongside the survey, detailing legal changes affecting LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. Positive legal progress was noted in Canada, the Netherlands, Austria, China, and Colombia. Conversely, countries including Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kazakhstan, and Belarus have introduced or tightened legal restrictions against LGBTQ+ people.
Survey Objectives and Industry Implications
The survey aims to build a long-term database on LGBTQ+ travel safety trends to aid travellers and the tourism sector. It provides ongoing monitoring
that supplements traditional legal comparisons with social acceptance and experiential data. Queer travellers increasingly consider social safety, visibility, and access to safe spaces in their travel planning. The data supports tourism professionals and specialised tour operators in developing safer and more inclusive travel options worldwide.
