It’s no secret LGBT travelers spend a lot on travel. According to the 19th annual LGBT Tourism Survey conducted by Community Marketing, Inc., LGBT travel grew by 9 percent in 2014, with similar growth predicted for 2015. And according to a study by Out Now Business Class, a travel networking association, the market is now valued at more than $200 billion in annual spending.
A quick look at the sponsors and speakers at any LGBT travel event proves the industry is paying attention to these big numbers. At the 2015 edition of the LGBT Confex, Mexico’s biggest LGBT tourism and business event, Marriott International and tourism officials from both Mexico and the United States were on hand. The annual convention of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association recently attracted sponsors ranging from Delta Air Lines and South African Airways to Hyatt and Hilton, as well as destinations including the tourism offices of Las Vegas, Atlanta and South Africa, the host nation for the 2016 annual convention.
Various organizations continue to study the evolving LGBT market in an effort to better serve. ONBC’s report, LGBT2020, shows New York City, Sydney and Amsterdam at the top of the list of preferred cities for travelers in the segment in 2015, with the United States, France and Australia the most popular countries overall.
To grow market share, some organizations and destinations are paying more attention to diversity within the LGBT segment. The initials “LGBT,” after all, stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people — representing a wide variety of backgrounds, ages, incomes and travel preferences. At the LGBT Confex in Merida, Mexico, Richard Gray, LGBT managing director, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, revealed the results of a survey of 700 transgender travelers as part of a campaign to attract more transgender visitors. “It is our goal to make Fort Lauderdale the No. 1 destination of choice for transgender travelers,” Gray said, noting Fort Lauderdale served as host city for Southern Comfort, the nation’s largest transgender conference, in 2015.
Read This Next
Women in Travel
2016
Sep 22, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedHotels
May 24, 2025Beaches Turks & Caicos Unveils Treasure Beach Village
Beaches Resorts recently revealed details about the addition of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort. Now open for reservations, Treasure Beach Resort features 101 multi-bedroom concierge and butler suites, including two-, three- and four-bedroom luxury accommodations.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
May 23, 2025Up Your RV Game with All-Electric Luxury RV, New Gear
If you’re chomping at the bit to head into the wilderness and set up camp, we’re with you. For a dose of luxury, enjoy an off-grid adventure for up to seven days with the new Pebble Flow. With a sleek, aerodynamic futuristic profile, the Pebble Flow also boasts a dual-motor Active Tow Assist System to allow for pulling with an electric vehicle. Features include lightweight composite and sustainable materials; panoramic windows with a 270-degree view; convertible furnishings; and a modern, minimalist design aesthetic. The chef-inspired kitchen, silent HVAC system and spa bathroom provide travel comfort, and nature-inspired colors including Sky, Fern, Poppy and Sand add to the overall sense of serenity. Bonus: The Pebble Flow can sight, align and hitch all on its own, while The Pebble App and dual-motor drivetrain let you maneuver, reverse, park and position with ease.
May 2025
May 23, 2025Relax, Rejuvenate and Heal at StolenTime
At the namesake luxury, 5-star all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, the concept of “stolen time” used to be reserved for couples escaping to canoodle, reconnect and perhaps rekindle in sumptuous accommodations during a romantic getaway on the lush Caribbean island. But when StolenTime by Rendezvous rebranded in late 2022 to welcome all adult guests and focus more on wellness, the philosophy expanded to encompass self-reflection, personal growth and enrichment. After all, time is our most precious commodity, one that’s finite and too quickly slips through our grasp; we need to find those moments that matter and make them count.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 23, 20254 High-Altitude Hotels for Summer Travel
Travelers looking for a summer escape with less crowds and cooler temps should consider a visit to these four hotels in high-altitude destinations.
Hotel Nice Beau Rivage Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 21, 2025eFlyer News
May 21, 2025Etihad Airways Launches Etihad for Business Platform, New Route from Charlotte
Etihad Airways recently debuted Etihad for Business, a new platform designed to elevate and simplify business travel management for companies of all sizes. This program provides customized benefits based on each company’s specific requirements, giving access to:
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer News
May 21, 2025Raffles Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Mexico in 2029
Raffles Hotels & Resorts will debut in Mexico with Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences in 2029, marking the hotel brand’s entrance in North America. Set to occupy a stretch of unspoiled beachfront in Los Cabos’ East Cape community, which extends from San José del Cabo to Los Barriles, the resort and residences will feature 60 guestrooms and 46 branded residences in the first development phase.
ShareThis