Only half (50%) of LGBTQ+ travelers say they feel relaxed when traveling for work, while nearly 1 in 4 (23%) report feeling anxious. The findings suggest a tension as corporate travel scales: while many employees are expected to travel for work, they lack the autonomy to choose where they travel, potentially exposing them to environments where they may not feel safe or supported.
Lack of support and clarity
LGBTQ+ traveler confidence is slipping as nearly half (45%) say they have hidden their identity on business trips to ensure their safety. The data points to an underlying lack of support and clarity on available resources from their employers as a contributing factor.
Only 54% feel adequately briefed on local LGBTQ+ laws before traveling to a new destination, and only 51% say their company clearly communicates relevant travel policies and resources. 55% of LGBTQ+ travelers say their direct manager is supportive of their concerns, while 42% don’t feel comfortable discussing those concerns at all.
Concerns impacting careers
The impact of these concerns also goes far beyond the trip itself. 42% of LGBTQ+ employees say they have turned down a lucrative business opportunity due to safety concerns or lack of employer support, while 44% have turned down or avoided applying for jobs entirely at companies that lack clear LGBTQ+ travel protections.
When business travel opportunities do arise, confidence to make a decision is shaky: only 52% say they would feel comfortable declining a business trip to a high-risk country without fear of hurting their career.
Building traveler trust
Employer policies are a key factor: over half (58%) say their decision to work for a company would be influenced by whether it offers strong LGBTQ+ travel protections. Clearer communication of travel policies and proactive education on local laws resources could also help reduce anxiety and build trust among employees expected to travel for work.
For accommodation owners, inclusive training and transparent communication of welcoming policies can help LGBTQ+ business travelers make more confident choices. Booking.com’s Travel Proud Badge is one such indicator, awarded to properties that complete inclusive hospitality training, with more than 140,000 globally.
“Business travel is often an inherent part of work and offers valuable opportunities for career growth and development, but our research shows that many LGBTQ+ travelers still face uncertainty,” said Matthias Schmid, SVP Accommodations at Booking.com. “Establishing clear pathways to the specific kinds of information and resources LGBTQ+ business travelers need can help create a more inclusive hospitality landscape, ensuring travelers feel confident and supported wherever work takes them.”
For even more insights into LGBTQ+ travel, take a look at Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Proud Research and Report.
Sources:
Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 13,331 respondents across 19 Markets: 222 from Argentina, 1,041 from Australia, 1,021 from Brazil, 839 from Canada, 527 from Colombia, 1,031 from France, 1,035 from Germany, 1,010 from India, 1,044 from Italy, 521 from Japan, 525 from Mexico, 508 from Netherlands, 218 from New Zealand, 219 from Singapore, 1,088 from Spain, 216 from Taiwan, 208 from Thailand, 1,019 from UK, 1,039 from US. To participate respondents had to be 18 years old or older, must have taken a personal trip that included an overnight stay in the last 12 months, either be involved or the primary decision maker about booking and planning travel, and must be part of the LGTBQ+ community. The survey was carried out between February and March 2026.
Tags: LGBTQ+ travelers
