LGBTQ+ Consumers Tend To Travel More Frequently Than Others, Survey Reveals | The USA Print – Global News, Entertainment, Tech, Celebrity Health And Wellness, Global Market – Breaking US News Today

Marriott International published the results of its latest research on attitudes, behaviors and preferences of the LGBTQ+ community when traveling. The study, conducted online between August and September 2023, sampled adults who identified themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the general population in 5 markets in the Caribbean and Latin America.

“Marriott has been in business for more than a century and strives to create a feeling of belonging and acceptance, both inside and outside our facilities. As a global leader in the sector, we know that this work never ends. Our founder, JW Marriott, used to say that ‘success is never final,’ and progress for the LGBTQ+ community is neither”said Brian King, President of Marriott International CALA.

“At Marriott we are convinced that delving into the community’s preferences and travel habits will allow us to continue providing a safe space where everyone is welcome“King added.

Among the results of the study, the following stand out:

· 61% of LGBTQ+ respondents took a domestic trip in the last year (vs. 54% of the general population), and 40% took international trips (vs. 32% of the general population).

· 43% of LGBTQ+ travelers take flights within their own country occasionally, up to three or four times a year.

· Most LGBTQ+ people (55%) they declared that they fly internationally At least once a year.

· Two in five respondents from the LGBTQ+ community make domestic trips that last less than a weekwhile almost half (49%) take international trips that last more than a week and a half.

· LGBTQ+ Baby Boomers are a 68% more likely to take international trips that last more than two weeks, with 52% saying they usually travel for this duration (vs. 31% across all LGBTQ+ age groups).

· When choosing a destination in the Caribbean and Latin America, LGBTQ+ travelers surveyed noted the inclusion as the main deciding factor (47%). For the purposes of this study, recognition of a destination’s inclusivity was defined by these factors: a sense of inclusivity and acceptance; the availability of LGBTQ+ friendly establishments; and safety and security for LGBTQ+ visitors and residents.

· Other elements that intervene in the election process are the availability of beaches and opportunities to relax (36%), and cultural and tourist attractions (31%).

However, LGBTQ+ travelers report that they continue to face difficulties when traveling:

· Respondents expressed that safety is your main concern (54%) when they travel through the Caribbean and Latin America.

· Other concerns expressed by LGBTQ+ travelers include the perception of discrimination and prejudice (41%), language barriers (37%) and the lack of establishments that are respectful of LGBTQ+ people. (31%).

· When it comes to consulting sources of information before making a reservation, the LGBTQ+ community prioritizes recommendations from friends or family, while the general public trusts travel websites more.

When asked about their preferred travel companion for a trip to the Caribbean and Latin America, interesting differences were observed between the general population and the LGBTQ+ community:

· For example, traveling with friends ranks second for LGBTQ+ travelers (while for the general population it is fourth position), and trips with a pet (11%) or alone (9%) are also slightly more common among LGBTQ+ travelers than among the rest of the adults surveyed (who obtained 7% and 6%, respectively).

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