LGBTQ+ tourism gains momentum at ITB Berlin 2026

New partners, strong destinations – and a clear signal from the industry

One important first is the debut of Booking.com as an exhibitor and supporting partner in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion 2026. Also taking part as supporting partners are Queer Destinations and Valencia, host of the Gay Games 2026. For the first time, the gay dating platform Grindr is involved as a presenting partner of the LGBTQ+ Tourism Lounge, providing the segment with a strong outlook for the community and market. München Tourismus is this year’s Premium Partner.

Geographically, there is also a clear trend in 2026: Spain is boosting its image as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination and an increasingly important exhibitor in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion.

Queer Destinations is debuting as a supporting partner, together with co-exhibitors Basque Country and Salou, who are continuing to impress as LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations in Spain. Valencia is once again represented as a supporting partner, together with Benidorm, and offering an international preview of the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia. Also among the Spanish exhibitors are JN Global Project, which is displaying in the pavilion and presenting other destinations such as Madrid, Torremolinos, Gandia and Gran Canaria.

In 2026, Turespaña and the city of Sevilla are represented together for the first time as presenting partners in the pavilion. They will introduce the IGLTA Convention, which is due to take place in Sevilla in November 2026. The partnership underscores Spain’s strategic focus on LGBTQ+ tourism and international visibility.

The topic will also be discussed with a view to the future in the official ITB Berlin Convention program:

Tuesday, 3.15 p.m. – 3.55 p.m.

ITB Convention / Green Stage / Hall 7.1b – Diversity & Inclusion Track

Panel discussion: From Risks to Resilience: Practical Steps for Inclusive LGBTQ+ Travel in the Future

The focus will be on how destinations and companies can make inclusive travel a realistic and reliable undertaking in the face of restrictive policies, social tensions and uncertain safety situations. Taking part in the panel discussion on this topic will be representatives of Turespaña, Hotelbeds HBC Group, A3M Global Monitoring and Grindr.

Survey and LGBTQ+ Travel Risk Map: participation until April 2026

At the same time, ITB Berlin is conducting an international market survey in collaboration with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism on the risks and experiences of LGBTQ+ travelers. The results will be incorporated into the annual global LGBTQ+ Travel Risk Map update. The publication and update are planned for Pride Month, and the survey will run until April 2026. Link to the survey.

Stage, Networking & Business Summit: inclusion as a measurable growth strategy

Another program highlight in the Pavilion is the session entitled From Values to Value: Why Inclusive Tourism Is a Growth Strategy in 2026. It will examine how inclusion is increasingly becoming a key strategic factor for economic growth, risk minimization and competitiveness. Among other things, the focus will be on the role of inclusive standards in MICE decisions, their significance for corporate travel and employer branding, and the importance of certifications, data and clear criteria for credible market positioning.

The LGBTQ+ Networking Reception, which is once again the place to head on Tuesday evening, will be an opportunity for dialogue and building new industry contacts.

Tuesday, 3 March, 5 – 7 p.m.

LGBTQ+ Networking Reception – LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4.1

Hosted by TOMONTOUR, powered by IGLTA and the Pink Pillow Berlin Collection, this year’s traditional rainbow cake is sponsored by Dorint Hotel on Kurfürstendamm.

On Thursday, the LGBTQ+ Business Summit will take place in the pavilion. Jens Schadendorf, author of GaYme Changer, will be the host for the day and present his new book, due to be published in March. Representatives from LGBTQ corporate networks, including Deutsche Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Pride Events among others, will discuss the current situation of the LGBTQ+ community against the backdrop of global political and economic change.

Taking place on Thursday will be the presentation of the Gender Equality Awards.

Thursday, 5 March 2026, 2.15 – 3 p.m.

Gender Equality Awards – Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award 2026 Recognizing excellence in gender equality in tourism internationally.

International award for commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism

The event will conclude with the new, exclusive ITB Diversity Gala Reception & LGBTQ+ Awards Ceremony 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin on Thursday, 5 March 2026 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., which is by invitation only. An international jury will again present the awards, which are judged on strict criteria.

Since 2018, ITB Berlin has been honoring individuals who have made a special contribution to the visibility, acceptance and promotion of LGBTQ+ tourism with the ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award.

ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award 2026 (planned date):

Russell Lord, Kenes Tours, Israel

The ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award, which has been presented since 2024, honors a destination or tourism provider that serves as a role model for credible and sustainable commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism.

ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award 2026 (planned date):

Basquetour (Basque Country), Spain