LGBTQ+ tourism at ITB Berlin 2025: A growing presence and new impetus

From 4 to 6 March 2025, ITB Berlin is presenting an even larger and more diverse LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4.1, underlining the growing interest in and importance of the LGBTQ+ tourism market. Numerous new exhibitors and prestigious events such as the Gender Equality Award, as well as a new A3M survey and fascinating panel discussions at the Educational Hub and ITB Berlin Convention round off the show.

ITB Berlin 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event for everyone who is passionate about LGBTQ+ tourism and diversity in the travel industry. Among those celebrating their debut at this year’s ITB Berlin are Il Capri Hotel from Italy, REED Española from Spain – a marketing cooperation between various Spanish destinations – ACE Hotel Kyoto from Japan, Visit Florida Keys and the Miami CVB. They are adding to ITB Berlin’s range of international events and showcasing the diversity of LGBTQ+ travel destinations and services worldwide.

The presence of long-standing partners and exhibitors such as the IGLTA (International LGBTQ Travel Association), the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce from Argentina, Munich Tourism, the Region of Valencia with the Gay Games 2026 and TOMONTOUR, underlines the continuing support for the LGBTQ+ community and provides an important impetus for the tourism sector.

In cooperation with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism, ITB Berlin is for the first time conducting a survey on the experiences and perceptions of LGBTQ+ travellers. The survey aims to shed light on the risks and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers in various countries, especially with regard to the public perception of their relationships or participation in LGBTQ+ events.

Events and programme highlights

For the first time, the Gender Equality Award, which honours outstanding commitment to gender equality in tourism. will be presented in the Pavilion (6 March 2025, 2.15 p.m.). Teesta Raha from Equality in Tourism will host the awards ceremony.

The LGBTQ+ Networking Reception, the exclusive networking event on 4 March 2025 at 5 p.m., will once again be an ideal opportunity to exchange views and build new partnerships.

The traditional ITB Diversity Gala on the evening of 6 March 2025 at the Ritz Carlton will bring together leading players in the tourism industry to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion. This year’s event is sponsored by Queer Destinations, Las Vegas CVA, Experience Kissimmee, Marriott, and TOMONTOUR. The Silent Auction is also being held again, with the proceeds going to the IGLTA Foundation.

The gala event will also feature the prestigious ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award 2025 (Shiho Ikeuchi, ACE Hotel Kyoto, Japan), which has been held since 2018, and the ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award 2025 (Vacaya Cruises, USA), which took place for the first time last year. Both these coveted awards honour outstanding personalities and companies in LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide and are presented by an international jury.

The article LGBTQ+ tourism at ITB Berlin 2025: A growing presence and new impetus first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.