A sharp decline in LGBTQ+ tourism bookings is rattling the U.S. travel industry as global travelers reject America’s Pride destinations over safety fears and political hostility.
At a Glance
- LGBTQ+ tourism to the U.S. has declined sharply compared to 2023 peak levels.
- Travel platforms report double-digit booking drops from Europe and Latin America.
- Safety concerns and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation are key deterrents for international travelers.
- Pride events in major cities continue, but attendance from abroad has slumped.
- Industry experts warn of long-term brand damage to the U.S. as a queer-friendly destination.
Booking Collapse Linked to Backlash
Once a global magnet for LGBTQ+ tourists, the U.S. is now seeing a marked decline in Pride-related travel bookings as international visitors sidestep American cities amid growing safety concerns. Travel platforms report that bookings from Europe and Latin America have fallen between 18% and 24% compared to 2023, with some destinations reporting even steeper drops.
While domestic Pride events continue, cities like New York and San Francisco are seeing fewer international arrivals. Travel agencies cite a rising number of cancellations and client anxieties linked to anti-trans legislation, drag bans, and violent incidents at past LGBTQ+ gatherings. The narrative has shifted—from celebration to caution.
Watch a report: Interviewing Gen Z at NYC Pride 2025
Safety Perceptions Shift Internationally
Analysts point to an “erosion of trust” as once-favorite destinations are now viewed through the lens of political hostility. Travel advisories from advocacy groups warn of risks to trans and nonbinary travelers in certain U.S. states, amplifying unease. The shift is profound: what was once a rite of passage for queer global travelers—celebrating Pride in America—is now seen by many as avoidable risk.
The drop in tourism dollars is already being felt by hospitality businesses, particularly in cities that heavily marketed Pride to international guests. Advocacy networks are urging federal and state governments to address anti-LGBTQ+ policies not only as civil rights issues—but as a threat to America’s cultural and economic reputation.
Pride Continues, But With Limits
Despite the downturn, Pride marches persist in major metros, though organizers report scaled-back international presence. San Francisco’s 2025 theme, “Joy as Resistance,” echoed the political overtones now central to queer mobility. For many LGBTQ+ travelers, the U.S. is no longer the sanctuary it once claimed to be—it is contested terrain.
With fewer rainbow passports arriving stateside, the question facing U.S. tourism isn’t just how to attract LGBTQ+ travelers—it’s whether America still deserves them.
