Here Are the Top 6 LGBTQ Travel Destinations for 2023
After two years of COVID cancellations and restrictions that have restricted travel for many people, travelers are expected to return in numbers at or above pre-pandemic levels in 2023. And LGBTQ travelers are likely to take the lead.
“[The LGBTQ travelers] Roger Down, former president and CEO of the American Travel Association, said: United States of America today“They are adventurous and like new experiences. They tend to travel much more than heterosexuals. They travel more and spend more money while traveling. When it comes to spending and dollars, they’re the travel industry’s darlings.”
If you’re one of the many LGBTQ travelers eager to feed your wanderlust next year, here are six destinations with significant LGBTQ events worth visiting.
Sydney, Australia
Known worldwide for its harbourfront opera house, Sydney is also known as a welcoming destination among LGBTQ travelers.
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s largest annual events and the longest-running celebration of pride in the southern hemisphere.
This year’s event will be even more spectacular as it overlaps with the city’s WorldPride. From February 17th to his March 5th, Sydney hosts a number of events including dance parties, concerts, art exhibitions, parades and film festivals.
Cabo San Lucas,Mexico
Home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches, Cabo San Lucas is a resort city at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.
It will also be the site of Olivia’s 50th anniversary celebrations from April 26th to May 6th. The leading travel company for LGBTQ women has acquired the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos and has an unforgettable line-up of events to mark the milestone.
Pioneering feminist singer-songwriter and lesbian political activist Chris Williamson will headline a line-up of all-star entertainers including comedian Suzanne Westenhofer and DJ Rockaway.
orlando, florida
With more than 75 million tourists annually, Orlando is the most visited city in the United States. And for good reason. This Central Florida city is home to numerous top he theme parks, Michelin-starred restaurants, an abundance of national beauty, and world-class cultural attractions.
GayDays Orlando, which originally began as a one-day event for members of the local LGBTQ community to visit Walt Disney World in 1991, now attracts over 150,000 attendees and hosts dozens of events around the city. It is a week long celebration with more than 150,000 people attending the event.
This year’s GayDays will run from May 31st to June 5th and will be hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld.
sonoma, california
Located just an hour north of San Francisco, historic Sonoma is the gateway to the famous Sonoma Valley wine region and its more than 400 wineries. It’s also home to acclaimed restaurants, relaxing spas, and breathtaking beauty.
The best way to experience it all is to attend the Out in the Vineyards Gay Wine Weekend. A powerhouse for over a decade, this year’s event runs July 14-16 and includes winery tours, winemaker dinners, multiple parties and a new host venue, the gorgeous Vintners Resort .
new orleans, louisiana
New Orleans is a city filled with rich traditions, delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine, and famous nightlife. It’s also a city with a long history as a haven for LGBTQ residents and tourists. Founded in 1933, Café Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans is one of the oldest continuously operating gay bars in the United States.
Another testament to the Big Easy’s coziness is Southern Decadence, a weekend festival that includes drag shows, bar events, pool parties, community events and more. A thriving event for more than 50 years, this year’s event is expected to see more than 300,000 attendees from her September 1st to her September 5th.
Hong Kong, China
From rolling green mountains and skyscrapers to ancient temples and modern museums, Hong Kong is visually breathtaking. It also has a sophisticated blend of Eastern and Western cultures, contributing to the growth of a vibrant and visible LGBTQ community.
The city’s many positive attributes are why it was chosen as the first destination in Asia to host the Gay Games scheduled from 3-11 November.
With an expected 7,000 participants and 25,000 visitors, the games will feature various sporting events, opening and closing ceremonies, a festival village, and arts and cultural events.