Press Release

The LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion is once again represented at ITB Berlin from 3 to 5 March 2026 in Hall 4.1, bringing together destinations, companies and the media in a programme that highlights LGBTQ+ travel as an established and dynamically growing tourism market. The aim is to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion for economic success, especially at a time when global conditions and travel decisions are changing noticeably.

One important first is the debut of Booking.com as an exhibitor and supporting partner in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion 2026. Also taking part as supporting partners are Queer Destinations and Valencia, host of the Gay Games 2026. For the first time, the gay dating platform Grindr is involved as a presenting partner of the LGBTQ+ Tourism Lounge, providing the segment with a strong outlook for the community and market. München Tourismus is this year’s Premium Partner.

Geographically, there is also a clear trend in 2026: Spain is boosting its image as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination and an increasingly important exhibitor in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion. Queer Destinations is debuting as a supporting partner, together with co-exhibitors Basque Country and Salou, who are continuing to impress as LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations in Spain. Valencia is once again represented as a supporting partner, together with Benidorm, and offering an international preview of the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia. Also among the Spanish exhibitors are JN Global Project, which is displaying in the pavilion and presenting other destinations such as Madrid, Torremolinos, Gandia and Gran Canaria.

On Tuesday morning in the pavilion in Hall 4.1, the LGBTQ+ Media Brunch will bring together the press and partners, while providing insights into current developments, destination trends and international projects.

Tuesday, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

LBTQ+ Media Brunch – LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4.1

Registration: LGBT Media Brunch

In 2026, Turespaña and the city of Sevilla are represented together for the first time as presenting partners in the pavilion. During the Media Brunch they will introduce the IGLTA Convention, which is due to take place in Sevilla in November 2026. The partnership underscores Spain's strategic focus on LGBTQ+ tourism and international visibility.

The topic will also be discussed with a view to the future in the official ITB Berlin Convention programme:

Tuesday, 3.15 p.m. – 3.55 p.m.

ITB Convention / Green Stage / Hall 7.1b – Diversity & Inclusion Track

Panel discussion: From Risks to Resilience: Practical Steps for Inclusive LGBTQ+ Travel in the Future

The focus will be on how destinations and companies can make inclusive travel a realistic and reliable undertaking in the face of restrictive policies, social tensions and uncertain safety situations. Taking part in the panel discussion on this topic will be representatives of Turespaña, Hotelbeds HBC Group, A3M Global Monitoring and Grindr.

At the same time, ITB Berlin is conducting an international market survey in collaboration with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism on the risks and experiences of LGBTQ+ travellers. The results will be incorporated into the annual global LGBTQ+ Travel Risk Map update. The publication and update are planned for Pride Month, and the survey will run until April 2026. Link to the survey.

Another programme highlight in the Pavilion is the session entitled From Values to Value: Why Inclusive Tourism Is a Growth Strategy in 2026. It will examine how inclusion is increasingly becoming a key strategic factor for economic growth, risk minimisation and competitiveness. Among other things, the focus will be on the role of inclusive standards in MICE decisions, their significance for corporate travel and employer branding, and the importance of certifications, data and clear criteria for credible market positioning.

The LGBTQ+ Networking Reception, which is once again the place to head on Tuesday evening, will be an opportunity for dialogue and building new industry contacts.

Tuesday, 3 March, 5 – 7 p.m.

LGBTQ+ Networking Reception – LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4.1

Hosted by TOMONTOUR, powered by IGLTA and the Pink Pillow Berlin Collection, this year's traditional rainbow cake is sponsored by Dorint Hotel on Kurfürstendamm.

On Thursday, the LGBTQ+ Business Summit will take place in the pavilion. Jens Schadendorf, author of GaYme Changer, will be the host for the day and present his new book, due to be published in March. Representatives from LGBTQ corporate networks, including Deutsche Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Pride Events among others, will discuss the current situation of the LGBTQ+ community against the backdrop of global political and economic change.

Taking place on Thursday will be the presentation of the Gender Equality Awards.

Thursday, 5 March 2026, 2.15 – 3 p.m.

Gender Equality Awards – Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award 2026 Recognising Excellence in Gender Equality in Tourism Internationally

The event will conclude with the new, exclusive ITB Diversity Gala Reception & LGBTQ+ Awards Ceremony 2026 at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin on Thursday, 5 March 2026 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., which is by invitation only. An international jury will again present the awards, which are judged on strict criteria.

Since 2018, ITB Berlin has been honouring individuals who have made a special contribution to the visibility, acceptance and promotion of LGBTQ+ tourism with the ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award.

ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award 2026 (planned date):

Russell Lord, Kenes Tours, Israel

The ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award, which has been presented since 2024, honours a destination or tourism provider that serves as a role model for credible and sustainable commitment to LGBTQ+ tourism.

ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award 2026 (planned date):

Basquetour (Basque Country), Spain

You can register online here now. Please note the accreditation guidelines. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your accreditation, press badge and a personal QR code. Please display this QR code at the entrance. Your ticket is non-transferable. You can register and obtain accreditation online around the clock for the entire duration of the event.

ITB Berlin 2026 will take place from Tuesday, 3 to Thursday, 5 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the leading trade show for the global travel industry. In 2026, it will celebrate its 60th anniversary under the motto “Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy.” At the same time, the ITB Berlin Convention will take place under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance,” bringing together 400 top speakers from business, science and politics on four stages and across 17 thematic tracks to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry. At ITB Berlin 2025, 5,800 exhibitors from more than 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors. With ITB 360°, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the shape of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats.

Additional information is available at www.itb.com, from ITB News & Insights and social media.

Press releases can be found online at itb.com - Press Service / Press Releases

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