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18 February 2021

“Destinations for Diversity” Is The Central Theme Of The FITUR LGBT+ Programme

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The LGBT+ tourist segment will be one of the first to want to get back to their travel routines as soon as mobility is allowed again, according to several international surveys.

Committing to diversity values boosts economic recovery from a sustainable tourism perspective that includes all the actors involved.

Organised by IFEMA, FITUR’s “Tourism Recovery Special” will take place from 19th to 23rd May at Feria de Madrid.

Under the general heading, “Destinations for Diversity,” FITUR’s Tourism Recovery Special” will take place from 19th to 23rd May at Feria de Madrid. It’s already preparing the content programming for its specialised FITUR LGBT+ section. This year, it will highlight different destinations that have been working for years on catering to a gay-friendly segment, together with new destinations that have decided to position themselves within the LGBT+ offer.

According to several international surveys, the LGBT+ tourist segment will be one of the first to want to get back to their travel routines as soon as mobility is allowed again. After the present crisis, which has forced many travellers to take a break, their desire and enthusiasm for travel will be stronger than ever.

“After the pandemic, tourist destinations will have to differentiate themselves as they reach out to their main target segments. This makes LGBT+ an interesting segment, not only because of their higher disposable income, but because they generally engage in less seasonal tourism, and tend to look for vacations and leisure trips in places where the offer best suits their interests and tastes,” points out María Valcarce, director of FITUR.

In this context, FITUR LGBT+ will show the importance of destinations committed to diversity for cross-industry aspects when focusing on tourism as a driving force to boost other sectors such as culture, commerce and hospitality. Committing to diversity values also boosts economic recovery from a sustainable tourism perspective that includes all the actors involved: such as travel agencies, hotels, tourist information offices, tour operators, and festivals.

Diversity is also a stable value that destinations in Spain and abroad want to cultivate to differentiate themselves and retain the loyalty of an increasingly demanding clientele. Countries, towns, and villages that are LGBT-friendly destinations make a difference, with inclusive positioning and seeking to connect with 21st-century values.