A new travel study has revealed that 46% of Indian LGBTQ+ travellers choose to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity while travelling, highlighting the ongoing challenges many face in balancing personal safety with self-expression. The findings are part of Booking.com's latest Travel Proud Research Report, which surveyed 13,300 LGBTQ+ travellers across 19 countries.
According to the report, only 31% of Indian respondents said they are openly LGBTQ+ while travelling, compared with 60% who are open with their close friends. The research suggests that concerns about discrimination and safety continue to influence travel decisions, with many travellers feeling compelled to hide their identity to visit destinations on their bucket lists.
The study also highlights a growing focus on personal safety. Around 66% of Indian LGBTQ+ travellers reported taking additional precautions while travelling compared to previous years. Common safety measures include sharing live locations with trusted contacts, using virtual private networks (VPNs), carrying secondary mobile phones, and deleting dating applications before crossing international borders. More than half of respondents also said they remain cautious about displaying affection in public.
Transgender travellers were found to experience higher levels of travel-related anxiety than other groups, with concerns about visibility and personal security continuing to affect their travel experiences.
Despite these challenges, the report points to encouraging signs of progress. Ninety-four percent of Indian LGBTQ+ travellers said they experienced at least one positive moment related to their identity during travel over the past year. Inclusive gestures such as staff using correct pronouns, the availability of gender-neutral facilities, visible signs of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and interactions with LGBTQ+ employees contributed to more welcoming travel experiences.
Artificial intelligence is also emerging as an important travel planning tool for the community. The research found that 88% of Indian LGBTQ+ travellers used AI-powered tools to plan trips in the past year. Many respondents said they trust AI to provide objective, non-judgmental travel advice, while nearly half felt more comfortable asking AI sensitive questions about LGBTQ+-friendly destinations and local communities than seeking information from other people.
The findings underline the growing need for inclusive travel experiences, improved safety measures, and greater awareness across the tourism industry, while also demonstrating how technology is helping LGBTQ+ travellers make more informed and confident travel decisions.
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