The third edition of the Estates General of European LGBTQ+ Tourism was held in Milan on October 1, 2025, at Milano Verticale, UNA Esperienze. The gathering served as a platform to discuss the present and future of LGBTQ+ travel, bringing together leading voices from across the tourism sector to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.
The event was organized by ELTA – European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance, under the patronage of the European Parliament, the IGLTA Foundation, and Federturismo Confindustria. It was supported by organizations and brands such as Airbnb, Serravalle Designer Outlet, The Greek National Tourism Organisation, BWH Hotels Italia & Malta, and Queervadis, and held in partnership with GNetwork360 and EGLCC, the European LGBTIQ Chamber of Commerce.
The 2025 edition featured three engaging panels dedicated to some of the most relevant issues in the industry: LGBTQ+ market trends, inclusive marketing strategies, and best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in tourism.
Luigi Cabrini, GSTC Chair, participated in the roundtable titled “The Economic Cost of Non-Inclusion: Quantifying the Impact,” along with colleagues:
- Giovanna Ceccherini – Sales Manager at Sonders & Beach
- Joel Diaz – Membership Manager, Europe for IGLTA
- Goran Miletic – Senior Advisor to the Executive Director at Civil Rights Defenders and Founder and CEO at Balkans Forward Foundation
The session presented findings from a recent survey that highlighted the economic repercussions for European countries lacking robust LGBTQ+ rights and DE&I policies. The data showed that such nations experienced significant losses in attracting LGBTQ+ travelers, a niche market characterized by higher-than-average spending, strong brand loyalty, and a preference for inclusive destinations. The panel analyzed how the absence of inclusive legislation not only undermined social equity but also resulted in tangible economic disadvantages, emphasizing the dual benefits of embracing LGBTQ+ rights from both a societal and economic perspective.
“Taking part in this roundtable was a valuable opportunity to emphasize that sustainability in tourism could not be understood without inclusion and diversity, and GSTC is fully aligned with these values. The GSTC Standards establish that Destinations have to prevent and report on any form of exploitation, discrimination, and harassment of or against anyone, and explicitly refer to LGBTG+. The Standards for Attractions and MICE promote inclusion and equal employment opportunities at all levels and explicitly prohibit discrimination against sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression,” said Mr. Cabrini.
Experts from European companies, destinations, and institutions shared their perspectives, offering participants a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of inclusive tourism and to strengthen their commitment to advancing equality within the sector.
