(BPT) - Over the past five years, we have seen a 300% surge in nights booked by Gen Z guests globally, indicating a broadening of the travel market as more destinations, both traditional and new, attract young travelers1.
As we head into Pride Month, new Airbnb data reveals a fresh wave of travelers are shaping the landscape of global Pride celebrations. From spectators to trailblazers, Gen Z travelers are exploring new spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to come together.
A generational comparison: the top booked Prides this summer
From the capital seat of Utah, to the scenic charms of Taipei, and the historical sites of Athens, Gen Z's impact is global. Emerging hotspots like Cleveland and Charlotte, where Gen Z interest is notably strong, are becoming central locales in the Pride circuit, pointing toward a broader trend of inclusivity and new celebrations across different regions.
This year, the most popular Pride destinations among Gen Z travelers showcase their unique preferences and adventurous spirit. Below is a list of cities that have seen the highest percentage of nights booked by Gen Z and Millennials during Pride celebration weekends2:
Gen Z's Top Booked International Pride Celebrations
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- Lima, Peru
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Bogota, Colombia
- Madrid, Spain
- London, United Kingdom
- Manchester, United Kingdom
- Cologne, Germany
- Berlin, Germany
- Thessaloniki, Greece
Millennials' Top Booked International Pride Celebrations
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Bogota, Colombia
- Hong Kong
- Berlin, Germany
- Oslo, Norway
- Montreal, Canada
- Naples, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Santiago, Chile
Millennials continue to lead bookings to traditional Pride celebration destinations, maintaining their strong presence and celebrating in familiar spaces, while Gen Z is exploring both the newer Pride celebrations and traditional ones.
Top-rated LGBTQ-friendly cities by guest reviews
Creating safe and welcoming spaces is not just a current trend, but a growing movement. Following the top booked destinations for Pride, we are shining a rainbow-colored spotlight on cities that are celebrated for their LGBTQ-friendly environments by the number of mentions in guest reviews3:
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Madrid, Spain
- New York City, NY
- Paris, France
- San Diego, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Wilton Manors, FL
- Toronto, Canada
- Seattle, WA
- London, United Kingdom
These cities are not only home to some of the most spectacular Pride events, but their hosts also foster environments where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel welcome year-round.
Hosts are embracing and celebrating the spirit of Pride Month
From vibrant, color-filled homes to unique, Pride-centric experiences, these listings encapsulate the spirit of Pride Month and provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone. Below is a collection of homes showcasing their pride in some of the most colorful ways:
Inclusive language fosters acceptance
We want Airbnb to be a place where people of all identities, backgrounds and cultures feel welcome.
Last year we released new data which showed the number of Hosts around the world using LGBTQ+-inclusive language surged by nearly 90% since 2017, signifying a shift toward an even more welcoming and inclusive community on the platform. According to findings from Morning Consult Brand Intelligence, 41% of LGBTQ+ respondents who travel identify as Airbnb users - 8% higher compared to the overall percentage of U.S. leisure travelers.
Inclusive language helps foster a sense of belonging and safety, which is crucial for members of the Airbnb community, no matter how they identify.
- Nights booked by Gen Z in Q1 2019 vs Q1 2024.
- Cities with the highest percentages of nights booked by Gen Z and Millennial travelers over their respective Pride weekends, based on 60+ Pride events around the world.
- Cities with the most mentions of LGBTQ + 'gay friendly' in their reviews in the past 10 years.
