LGBTQ tourism

LGBTQ tourism (or gay tourism) is a form of tourism marketed to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. It may also include a focus on other members of the (broader) community.

The tourism, and its related establishments, may have the goal of celebrating the community, commemorating the LGBT+ rights movement, educating members outside of the community, or a combination of these elements.

People might be open about their sexual orientation and gender identity at times, but less so in areas known for violence against LGBTQ people. Hence, knowing which regions are welcoming of LGTBQ+ tourists is valuable.

The main components of LGBTQ tourism include: destinations, accommodations, and travel services wishing to attract LGBTQ tourists; people looking to travel to LGBTQ-friendly destinations; people wanting to travel with other LGBTQ people when traveling regardless of the destination; and LGBTQ travelers who are mainly concerned with cultural and safety issues.

The slang term gaycation has come to imply a version of a vacation that includes a pronounced aspect of LGBTQ culture, either in the journey or destination.

The LGBTQ tourism industry includes destinations (tourism offices and CVBs), travel agents, accommodations and hotel groups, tour companies, cruise lines, and travel advertising and promotions companies who market these destinations to the gay community.

Coinciding with the increased visibility of LGBTQ people raising children in the 1990s, an increase in family-friendly LGBTQ tourism has emerged in the 2000s, for instance R Family Vacations which includes activities and entertainment geared towards couples including same-sex weddings.

R Family's first cruise was held aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines's Norwegian Dawn with 1600 passengers including 600 children.