Last year, the Sultan of Brunei’s “Dorchester Collection” came under fire after he introduced harsh antigay laws in his home land. The (gay) public was abhorred but divided in response. Some people called for an all-out boycott of the properties while others proposed a full-on love in. But what the controversy highlighted was the importance of LGBTQ travellers supporting LGBTQowned and welcoming providers. A record number of queer people are travelling for leisure – accounting for some 88 million journeys and spending in excess of £164bn a year – making us the world’s fourth biggest tourism economy. Research shows that 55 per cent of these travellers will choose to do it with LGBTQowned businesses or those committed to diversity and equal treatment of the community. But what it also shows, is that close to half aren’t as dedicated to “keeping it in the family.”
It may be confusing to understand why a gay person wouldn’t choose an LGBTQ operator, but in a world that is more positive than ever of sexual orientation and gender diversity – and in an industry driven by care-taking and hospitality – perhaps there isn’t always a need. Some perceive that mainstream providers offer more experience, better value and wider choice. Others consider the LGBTQ travel industry to be somewhat stereotypical, suggesting that it hasn’t evolved from offering just gay-only holidays to gay-party destinations.