Canada and Spain set the standard for LGBTQ+ travel safety in 2025, new global survey finds

Canada and Spain have emerged as global leaders in LGBTQ+ travel safety and acceptance, according to a new international survey conducted by ITB Berlin, Diversity Tourism, and A3M Global Monitoring. The report, titled "Perceptions and Experiences of LGBTQ+ Travellers", offers an encouraging outlook on the progress being made in certain parts of the world, while also warning of setbacks elsewhere.

The survey, conducted between December 2024 and April 2025, gathered insights from 123 LGBTQ+ individuals through social media, newsletters, and the Tomontour.de travel platform. Respondents answered 16 questions on legal rights, social acceptance, treatment by police, and access to healthcare while traveling. The report highlights inclusive destinations, rising risks, and the path forward for queer travellers.

Canada and Spain leading the way

Among all destinations, Canada and Spain stood out as model countries for LGBTQ+ travelers. In Canada, 100% of respondents said they were treated with respect, and 71% felt comfortable showing affection in public. Spain scored similarly high, with 90% feeling safe with public affection, and police interactions in both countries rated as overwhelmingly positive.

These results reflect years of inclusive tourism policies and public attitudes. Spanish destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands continue to be vibrant LGBTQ+ hubs, while Canada’s legal protections are matched by widespread public support.

In contrast, the United States showed stark regional disparities. While cities like New York and San Francisco were perceived as welcoming, only about one-third of respondents overall felt comfortable being visibly queer or trusting local law enforcement, highlighting a deep divide between progressive and conservative regions.

Germany, despite passing the Self-Determination Act in late 2024 to strengthen trans and non-binary rights, received mixed reviews. Roughly half of respondents said they felt safe expressing their identity or were treated equally by authorities, suggesting that social attitudes have not yet caught up with the law.

The report also found significant variation within the LGBTQ+ community. Transgender and intersex travelers reported facing more frequent discrimination than cisgender gay men – especially during border crossings, where gender markers are often not recognized, and during security checks, where staff may lack proper training.

LGBTQ+ travel: Other key global trends

Expert interviews provided regional context. In South America, countries like Brazil, Chile, and Peru showed high tolerance in tourist hotspots despite conservative laws. In China and Dubai, discretion remains key. Authorities often overlook queer travelers so long as they remain modest in behavior.

To guide travelers, A3M released its LGBTQ+ Risk Map 2025, tracking legal developments around the world. Countries showing progress include:

• Dominica: Decriminalized same-sex relations (April 2024)
• Namibia: Repealed anti-LGBTQ+ laws (June 2024)
• Germany: Enacted the Self-Determination Act (November 2024)
• Thailand: Legalized same-sex marriage (January 2025)

However countries facing setbacks, include Iraq, Mali, Trinidad and Tobago, and Georgia which have introduced or reinstated laws criminalizing LGBTQ+ identities and behavior between April 2024 and March 2025.

Building an LGBTQ+ global safety network

To address the gap between legal protections and lived safety, A3M plans to launch a real-time international safety network for LGBTQ+ travellers. The initiative will collect peer-reported data to help queer individuals make informed, safe choices while on the move.

“Safety is more than a legal concept – it’s about how people feel on the ground,” said Thomas Bömkes, Managing Director of Diversity Tourism. “This report is a step toward creating travel environments where everyone can feel visible, safe, and respected.”

The survey findings will be presented at ITB Berlin 2026, taking place from March 3–5, and the report will be repeated annually to track global trends in LGBTQ+ rights, perceptions, and travel safety. Check out the full report findings here.