Lgbtq+ tourism, Spain among the safest destinations. Italy in 36th place

The Old Continent confirms itself as the safest area in the world for queer travellers, but it proceeds at two speeds. This is what emerges from the macroeconomic and legislative data for 2026 released on the occasion of the opening of the fourth edition of the European States General of Lgbtq+ Tourism, promoted by Elta (European Lgbtq+ Travel Alliance) in partnership with Roma Capitale and with the institutional patronage of the European Parliament and Federturismo Confindustria. According to the analysis developed on the data of Ilga-Europe's Rainbow Map 2026, which measures the level of protection of rights and the attractiveness of destinations, Europe records an overall growth trend: the European average of rights reaches 43% (+2.75% compared to 2025), a figure that rises to 52% if we consider only the countries of the European Union.

Spain in pole position

Western Europe is confirmed as the only area of the planet at risk of "normal concern" on all borders according to the LGBTQ Travel Safety Map. Driving international attractiveness is the continental top 10 led by Spain, absolute leader with 88.7%, followed by Malta, Iceland, Portugal (at the top of the travel index for hospitality and services), Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Luxembourg. In stark contrast to this scenario of excellence is Italy, defined by experts as the true "Achilles' heel" of Southern Europe. Our country ranks 36th (out of 49), losing one position compared to 2025 and stopping at 24.11%, well below the European average of 43%.

The Italian "delay".

"Europe confirms itself as the safest area in the world for LGBT+ tourism, led by countries that continue to invest in protection and hospitality" underlined Alessio Virgili, president of Elta, who draws attention to the Italian delay: "The lack of a national law against homotransphobia, the lack of recognition of equal marriage and the absence of full protections for homo-parental families are not only a civil critical issue, but translate into a heavy economic damage". According to Virgili, Italy thus risks losing tourist flows with high spending capacity to competing countries. A situation to which is added the new challenges of artificial intelligence, which make ethical standards and tools necessary to guarantee reliable information and truly inclusive hospitality.

The European States General of LGBTQ+ Tourism is the main continental summit dedicated to the development, inclusion and market strategies of LGBTQ+ tourism in Europe. Promoted by ELTA (European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance), the event brings together European institutions, tourism bodies, hospitality companies, destinations and professionals every year to discuss rights, security and economic opportunities. The 2026 edition is being held today, November 9, in the prestigious setting of the Aula Giulio Cesare in the Campidoglio in Rome. The event is developed around the title "LGBTQ+ Tourism: The Long Tail of a Growing Market". The goal is to explore the evolution of this segment, which generates approximately 67 million arrivals and a turnover of 55 billion dollars. In the context of the initiative, the tenth edition of the QPrize is also celebrated, the prize that valorises tourism entities involved in inclusive communication and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) policies.