While traveling can bring a sense of freedom and self-expression, a large proportion of LGBTQ+ people still feel restricted. With a mission to make learning about the world easier for everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify, Booking.com has conducted some of its most extensive research to date, among 11,555 LGBTQ+ people from 27 countries. and territories around the world.
According to this study, 67% of people surveyed in Argentina admit that controversies in the media about attitudes, discrimination and violence towards people who identify as LGBTQ+ greatly influenced their choice of destination at the time. of taking a trip.
Whether it's a vacation, a work trip, or simply visiting a family member or loved one, discrimination remains a major concern throughout the travel experience: 56% of people surveyed said they have experienced discrimination while traveling.
Even when traveling to destinations where they feel there are adequate laws that protect their rights, part of the Argentine LGBTQ+ community does not feel as comfortable during the travel experience, which is accentuated in those destinations that have insufficient legislation. For example:
14% feel uncomfortable when they go out at night.
12% feel uncomfortable when ordering a taxi.
17% feel uncomfortable showing their ID to go to events.
It is crucial that amidst contradictions and instability, there is active support in the tourism industry. So much so, that 77% of Argentine LGBTQ+ people feel more comfortable when traveling thanks to the tourism industry being increasingly more inclusive.
In this sense, one of Booking.com's main objectives is to transform these discomforts into confidence for passengers from the LGBTQ+ community. Since launching in 2021, Booking.com's Travel Proud program has provided free inclusive hospitality training to properties so they can better understand the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people and create more inclusive experiences. As a result, more than 24,000 accommodations around the world have received the “Travel Proud” label on Booking.com, which recognizes the efforts they make to offer inclusive hospitality experiences.
This is how positive travel experiences are also much more common and undoubtedly increase the confidence of the LGBTQ+ community. 88% of LGBTQ+ people in Argentina say they experienced some positive encounters, particularly when it comes to interactions in accommodation:
88% exchanged friendly and informative emails with the property before arrival (up from 45% in 2022).
45% of people say their first impressions were good when arriving at the accommodation, for example with a warm welcome from staff (up from 40% in 2022).
Source: Booking.com