Why International LGBTQ+ Travelers Are Reconsidering Their U.S. Trips: A Heartfelt Look at Safety and Belonging
Participants marched in the seventh annual Queer Liberation March organized by the Reclaim Pride Coalition in New York on June 29, 2025. The event highlights a growing trend among international travelers, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, who are reconsidering travel plans to the United States due to rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and ongoing trade tensions exacerbated by U.S. tariff policies.
Canadian Robert Sharp had planned a visit to Provincetown, Massachusetts, a renowned LGBTQ+-friendly destination, for a friend’s milestone birthday. However, Sharp and his travel group opted for a road trip through Canada instead. “Do we want to have that stress before going on vacation?” Sharp questioned, underscoring sentiments that resonate with many Canadians in light of recent political climates. His decision reflects a broader reluctance among travelers to engage with the changing dynamics of the U.S., particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights and safety.
Data from the International Trade Administration shows a significant decline in foreign visitors to the U.S., with air travel dropping 10% in March compared to the previous year. Including land crossings, total inbound visitors fell by 14%. Estimates suggest that spending among international tourists could decrease by $8.5 billion in 2023, with negative perceptions stemming from U.S. policies pushing many travelers to explore alternative destinations.
Specifically, LGBTQ+ travelers have markedly altered their travel habits. Bookings for queer-friendly accommodations on the LGBTQ+ travel platform misterb&b plummeted 66% among Canadian users and 32% among European users between February and April 2025, compared to the same period the previous year. In contrast, bookings in more progressive “blue states” showed a 22% increase, while declines were noted in “red states” like Texas and Arizona.
Misterb&b CEO Matthieu Jost noted that although global bookings are not declining, LGBTQ+ individuals appear to be redirecting their travel budgets to more welcoming locales. Survey data reveals that many LGBTQ+ travelers view their spending as a form of activism, preferring destinations that align with their values of inclusivity.
The situation has led to organizations like Egale Canada refraining from in-person events in the U.S., with executive director Helen Kennedy citing safety concerns as well as a desire to push back against what she terms “economic warfare” from the U.S. Policies under the Trump administration, including restrictions on transgender individuals, have prompted warnings for LGBTQ+ travelers from various countries. Kennedy argues that economic ties between Canada and the U.S. are often driven by mutual interests, complicating decisions to cross the border amid such policies.
The LGBTQ+ travel market holds substantial economic power, estimated to reach $634.9 billion by 2033. LGBTQ+ travelers, often more affluent, are known to spend more on activities and experiences than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, making their reluctance to visit the U.S. impactful on local economies.
Despite this, Pride Month events across America saw strong attendance, with organizers from NYC Pride projecting numbers around 2.5 million participants. However, many organizations reported a reduction in corporate sponsorships partially attributed to economic factors. Attendance at many Pride celebrations remained robust, albeit the significant concerns over safety and perception linger, especially in areas with conservative policies.
The landscape for LGBTQ+ travel is changing rapidly as individuals increasingly prioritize their safety and the political climate of their destinations, placing the financial and social implications of their travel choices at the forefront.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/04/travel-pride-lgbtq-united-states.html
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Publish Date: 2025-07-04 17:30:00
