2019's Hottest New Global LGBTQ-Friendly Destinations
At the recent 2019 International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGLTA) annual convention in New York City, destinations from around the world presented reasons why LGBTQ travelers should visit them. There were 49 countries participating this year, making it increasingly clear that tourism bureaus and hotel companies realize the value of the LGBTQ tourist.
IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. IGLTA membership includes LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events and travel media in more than 80 countries.
Attendance at the 36th Annual IGLTA Convention was record-breaking, with nearly 700 travel executives from around the world on hand to share, learn and grow. Certain destinations enjoyed a buzz among the mingling cohorts. Some are surprising and some seem perfectly timed.
By no means is this list exhaustive, but these global destinations stood out to me as the hottest new emerging markets for LGBTQ travel in 2019 and beyond.
Peru
Although Machu Picchu shows up on many people’s bucket lists, the people of Peru are among the most welcoming in South America. Lima, Cusco and Arequipa all have bustling LGBTQ communities. Local hotels are also learning the power of the LGBTQ travel dollar, and are reaching out wholeheartedly.
Peru Resources
- 7 Best Ways to Get to Peru on Points and Miles
- How to Visit Machu Picchu With Kids
- Where to Find the Best Food in Lima, Peru
- 8 Places to Visit in Peru Besides Machu Picchu
- 19 Things to Know Before Your First Trip to Peru
Kyoto, Japan
My family loved visiting the contemporary, world-class city that is Tokyo. However, Kyoto is a surprising alternative, reachable by bullet train from Tokyo in less than 2.5 hours. A more concentrated representative of traditional Japanese culture than the capital city, Kyoto has a vibrant LGBTQ scene, active transgender population and a nice mix of old-world tradition with progressive tolerance and acceptance.
Japan Resources
- The Best Ways to Travel to Japan With Points and Miles
- Where to See Stunning Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo and Osaka
- A Trip to Tokyo in Cherry Blossom Season — Reader Success Story
- TPG’s Guide to Tokyo, Japan
Bogota, Colombia
Colombia is having a moment. It seems many friends — LGBTQ or not. Still raw and real in many places, Colombia offers some of the most beautiful and unspoiled jungles and beaches in South America. Safe cities and a welcoming population have helped fuel new interest from global travelers. Those who have visited Colombia describe it as the perfect combination of tropical color and vibrancy blended with traditional South American culture.
Colombia Resources
- TPG Readers’ Best Tips for Visiting South America on Points and Miles
- Colombian Colonial Chic: A Review of the Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá
- 5 Reasons Medellín, Colombia, Belongs on Your Travel Bucket List
- How to Do Peru and Colombia on a Budget While Staying Chic
Guam
Guam is just now being discovered by Americans as a great vacation destination. Guam has all the beauty of better-known islands in Polynesia or the Philippines, along with gorgeous beaches, jungles and great cuisines. With a gay lieutenant governor and widespread acceptance, Guam will soon be on everyone’s must-visit list. This island destination is still lesser-known for now, so visit soon to enjoy short lines and uncrowded beaches.
Guam Resources
- TPG Readers Share Their Best Tips for Flying to the South Pacific on Points and Miles
- Review: United’s Island Hopper from Honolulu (HNL) to Guam (GUM)
San Sebastian, Spain
On the northeast coast of Spain near the French border, San Sebastian is a gorgeous city positioned squarely in Basque country. A perfect mix of old-world and modern sensibilities, this city is Spain’s quiet secret. Without the crowds of Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, the beaches of San Sebastian hearken back to those romantic, sun-drenched days of Europe before the millennium. As a bonus, the food scene here is to die for.
Spain Resources
- Your Points and Miles Guide to Barcelona
- 8 Things to Know Before You Go to Barcelona
- Your Points and Miles Guide to Madrid
- List of Family Friendly Activities in Madrid
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has always had a strong LGBTQ culture, particularly in San Juan. Colorful clubs, gay beaches that rival Mykonos, and a strong spirit are all present. The ravages of Hurricane Maria seem to have washed away much of whatever bigotry remained, and the country is even more welcoming to LGBTQ travelers. We can’t wait to visit!
Puerto Rico Resources
- 8 Reasons to Visit Puerto Rico Right Now
- Culture Without a Passport: Experience Puerto Rico With a Family
- Caribbean Comeback: A Review of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican Renaissance: A Review of Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Places on the LGBTQ No-Fly List
For obvious reasons, these destinations are not welcoming to LGBTQ travelers, and should be considered with great caution:
Brunei: The Sultan’s recent decree that all LGBTQ people will be executed by stoning should convince any of us not to visit Brunei. Enough said.
Malaysia: The Malaysian tourism minister recently announced there are no gay people at all in Malaysia. In a country where being a member of the LGBTQ community is against the law, there is outspoken homophobia expressed by the highest levels of government.
Russia: This country continues to violate basic civil and human rights by banning LGBTQ "propaganda" such as events, rallies and speeches. In some areas like Chechnya, members of the community have faced abuse and even imprisonment.
There are 74 countries in total where homosexuality is still illegal, a sad list of places too long to include here.
Bottom Line
It's exciting to see destinations open their minds and hearts to the LGBTQ+ community and we certainly have a few new spots on our "must visit" list. How about you?
Jon Bailey covers LGBT family travel for TPG and blogs at 2DadsWithBaggage.com. Follow Jon and his family’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram.
