WHAT LGBTQIA + TRAVELERS WANT FROM A GROUP TOUR
LGBTQIA + travelers are looking for unique places to explore with their peers . Here ’ s how to jump in on the group tour industry .
WORDS / LOLA MÉNDEZ
COURTESY OF LADIES TOUCH TRAVEL
A Ladies Touch travel group gathers in Brazil .
Since 2018 , the LGBTQIA + travel market has exceeded $ 218 billion annually . As it continues to grow , travel advisors like Laticia Jacobs , a lesbian and CEO of Travel Concierge Partners and member of the American Society of Travel Advisors , are noticing an increase in bookings for LGBTQIA + group travel .
“ As society becomes more inclusive and accepting , individuals within the LGBTQIA + community feel more comfortable and empowered to explore the world together . This growing demand for group travel reflects the desire for shared experiences while discovering diverse destinations ,” she said .
Travelers who are part of the LGBTQIA + community aren ’ t a monolith : They each have their own dream destinations to visit , travel styles and bucket-list adventures . Queer travelers do have one thing in common , though : a unique set of needs that must be addressed to ensure they feel safe and welcome wherever they travel .
PRIORITIZING SAFETY “ LGBTQIA + travelers are conscious that many places around the world aren ’ t safe for them ,” said Vivian Perez , owner of Ladies Touch and member of International LGBTQ + Travel Association ( IGLTA ). “ With a group trip , people trust the destination and suppliers are safe and that leaders have vetted everything before putting the trip on the market .”
Not only do queer travelers who join LGBTQIA + trips need to be able to trust that the destination is safe , but also that the suppliers and hosts have been trained on LGBTQIA + inclusivity . “ Joining a group
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