Booking.com's commitment to helping LGBTQ+ travellers feel more comfortable exploring the world has hit new heights in 2025, with 100,000 site-wide properties now certified as 'Travel Proud'. Olivia Palamountain reports

To mark Pride Month, Booking.com has reached a significant milestone of more than 100,000 Travel Proud properties across over 150 countries and territories. This represents a 49% increase from the previous year, with properties spanning 16,000 cities and destinations globally.

The Travel Proud programme, launched in 2021, provides free inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to help them better understand the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers and create more welcoming environments. Participating properties commit to celebrating diversity whilst providing safe and inclusive environments for guests.

The travel platform's new study of over 11,000 LGBTQ+ travellers across 27 countries found that 70% of UK respondents say being part of the LGBTQ+ community impacts the preparation they undertake before booking a trip, highlighting the continued importance of informed travel decisions for this demographic.

For the majority of UK LGBTQ+ travellers (78%), witnessing increased inclusivity in the travel industry has made them feel more comfortable travelling, demonstrating the tangible impact of such initiatives on travel confidence.

Italy leads the global charge with the most Travel Proud properties, counting some 21,283 certified accommodations as of May 2025, reflecting the country's growing commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism.

Key Research Findings:

• 70% of UK LGBTQ+ travellers say being authentic whilst travelling is crucial when booking
• 70% say being LGBTQ+ impacts their pre-trip preparation
• 78% feel more comfortable travelling due to increased industry inclusivity
• 100,000 Travel Proud properties now certified globally (up 49% year-on-year)
• 11,469 LGBTQ+ travellers surveyed across 27 countries
• 21,283 properties certified in Italy alone (most globally)

Booking.com has aslo identified ten emerging LGBTQ+-friendly destinations based on cities with the highest percentage of Travel Proud properties, ranging from established favourites to exciting new hotspots. Cities required at least 50 certified properties and 500 total active accommodations to qualify.

Turin, Italy, features prominently as the birthplace of the country's first gay liberation movement FUORI! (Fronte Unitario Omosessuale Rivoluzionario Italiano) in the 1970s, which helped lay foundations for LGBTQ+ rights in modern Italy. The city's LGBTQ+ scene centres around San Salvario, a creative district filled with inclusive bars, clubs and cafés, whilst offering cultural attractions including Palazzo Madama and museums dedicated to cinema and Egyptian history. As the birthplace of both vermouth and gianduiotto hazelnut chocolate, Turin also appeals to food enthusiasts.

Panama City represents one of Central America's most exciting emerging destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers, positioned as a crossroads linking oceans, continents and cultures. Neighbourhoods including Casco Viejo, Via Argentina, Amador and San Francisco form the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene, offering everything from rooftop bars and art galleries to inclusive cafés and community-led events. The city offers dramatic contrasts from UNESCO-listed colonial charm to modern skylines featuring Central America's tallest building.

Zurich, Switzerland, provides an under-the-radar European option with sophisticated lakeside appeal and over 40 open-air pools lining the city's lakes and rivers. The city boasts rich LGBTQ+ heritage, having been home to Der Kreis (The Circle), a prominent early gay rights organisation and bi-monthly magazine operating in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, bar Kweer occupies the space where the historic Barfüsser bar, considered one of Europe's oldest gay bars, once stood.

Brighton & Hove continues to earn recognition as the UK's gay capital, with the Kemptown district leading celebrations featuring rainbow flags, drag brunches, and LGBTQ+-owned venues. The city transforms each August during Pride celebrations, offering everything from vintage shopping in The Lanes to panoramic experiences on the i360 tower.

International destinations include Florianópolis, Brazil, located mostly on Santa Catarina Island, where Praia Mole serves as the unofficial gay beach with music filling the air. The destination offers jungle trails at Lagoinha do Leste, serene lagoons like Lagoa da Conceição, and vibrant year-round celebrations culminating in the annual Florianópolis Gay Carnival featuring major festivities, parades and competitions.

Chicago maintains its position as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ visibility, with Northalsted (formerly Boystown) holding the distinction of being the first officially recognised LGBTQ+ neighbourhood in the US. The city's house music heritage, born from LGBTQ+ DJs in underground clubs, continues through Pride Fest, one of the country's largest Pride parades. Beyond Northalsted, areas like Andersonville feature LGBTQ+-owned shops including Scout for reclaimed objects and Mercantile M for affordable finds.

Sydney, Australia, remains a global LGBTQ+ hotspot with Darlinghurst and Surry Hills featuring rainbow crossings and venues like the heritage-listed Stonewall Hotel. Beyond the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the city offers year-round attractions including the recently opened Qtopia Museum, inclusive surf clubs, and unique experiences like drag performances at The Imperial Eskineville.

Porto, Portugal, provides a quieter alternative to Lisbon with intimate LGBTQ+ venues like Pride and Café Lusitano offering drag performances and disco nights, plus Zoom Club for late-night dancing. The city features growing Pride celebrations, LGBTQ+ film festivals, and romantic sunset spots at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, alongside guided LGBTour Porto walks through the historic core.