From 4 to 6 March 2025, ITB Berlin is presenting an even larger and more diverse LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4-1, underlining the growing interest in and importance of the LGBTQ+ tourism market.
Numerous new exhibitors and prestigious events such as the Gender Equality Award, as well as a new A3M survey and fascinating panel discussions at the Educational Hub and ITB Berlin Convention round off the show.
ITB Berlin 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event for everyone who is passionate about LGBTQ+ tourism and diversity in the travel industry.
Among those celebrating their debut at this year’s ITB Berlin are Il Capri Hotel from Italy, REED Española from Spain – a marketing cooperation between various Spanish destinations – ACE Hotel Kyoto from Japan, Visit Florida Keys and the Miami CVB. They are adding to ITB Berlin’s range of international events and showcasing the diversity of LGBTQ+ travel destinations and services worldwide.
The presence of long-standing partners and exhibitors such as the IGLTA (International LGBTQ Travel Association), the Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce from Argentina, Munich Tourism, the Region of Valencia with the Gay Games 2026 and TOMONTOUR, underlines the continuing support for the LGBTQ+ community and provides an important impetus for the tourism sector.
LGBTQ+ Travel at ITB Berlin 2025: A growing presence and new impetus. Copyright: ITB Berlin © Messe Berlin
In cooperation with A3M Global Monitoring and Diversity Tourism, ITB Berlin is for the first time conducting a survey on the experiences and perceptions of LGBTQ+ travellers. The survey aims to shed light on the risks and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers in various countries, especially with regard to the public perception of their relationships or participation in LGBTQ+ events. Click here for the survey: ITB_LGBTQPlus_survey.
Events and programme highlights
For the first time, the Gender Equality Award, which honours outstanding commitment to gender equality in tourism. will be presented in the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion, Hall 4.1 (6 March 2025, 2.15 p.m.). Teesta Raha from Equality in Tourism will host the awards ceremony.
The LGBTQ+ Networking Reception, the exclusive networking event on 4 March 2025 at 5 p.m., will once again be an ideal opportunity to exchange views and build new partnerships. To register, click here: tomontour-networking-reception-registration
The traditional ITB Diversity Gala on the evening of 6 March 2025 at the Ritz Carlton will bring together leading players in the tourism industry to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusion. This year's event is sponsored by Queer Destinations, Las Vegas CVA, Experience Kissimmee, Marriott, and TOMONTOUR. The Silent Auction is also being held again, with the proceeds going to the IGLTA Foundation.
The gala event will also feature the prestigious ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award 2025 (Shiho Ikeuchi, ACE Hotel Kyoto, Japan), which has been held since 2018, and the ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award 2025 (Vacaya Cruises, USA), which took place for the first time last year. Both these coveted awards honour outstanding personalities and companies in LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide and are presented by an international jury. Tickets and information are available here.
Highlights at the Educational Hub at the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion
The LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion at the World's Leading Travel Trade Show is more than just a display area. At the Educational Hub visitors can take part in various panels and discussions. The programme is an important part of ITB Berlin 2025 and brings together companies, destinations and experts to further promote and raise the profile of LGBTQ+ tourism.
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Hall 4.1
10.00 – 11.30 a.m.
LGBTQ+ Media Brunch, presented by Miami CVB with the following exhibitors: Ace Hotel Kyoto, Japan; Argentina LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce; Destination DC, Washington; IGLTA; Il Capri Hotel, Italy; Gay Games 2026; Miami CVB; Munich Tourism; Queer Destinations; REED Red Española de Destinos por la Diversidad; Region of Valencia; Tom on Tour; Visit Florida Keys; World Pride Washington 2025. In order to participate, accreditation is required. To register, click here: media-brunch-registration
11.30 – 11.45 a.m.
Official opening of the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion in Hall 4.1 with Thomas Bömkes, LGBTQ+ Tourism Advisor ITB Berlin, Diversity Tourism and Ramona Zaun, ITB Berlin LGBTQ+ officer
11.45 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.
Panel discussion: Breaking Stereotypes: The True Landscape of LGBTQ+ Travel Safety 2025 with A3M Global Monitoring
3.30 – 4.00 p.m.
Presentation of the Gay Games XII Valencia 2026: Sport, Culture and Inclusion as well as Benidorm – an LGBTQ+ friendly Destination all year round
ITB Berlin Convention / Green Stage / Hall 7.1b
1.30 – 2.15 p.m.
Panel discussion: Do Specific LGBTQ+ Hotel Certification Programs Offer the Best Way for an Inclusive Marketing Strategy? Moderated by Thomas Bömkes, Diversity Tourism. Panellists: Courtney Maywald, booking.com; Edgar Weggelaar, QueerDestinations; Dominique Vockeradt, Hotel Berlin and Aalap Shah, queervadis.com
4.00 – 5.00 p.m.
Panel discussion: The Tourism Power of the Fetish Community & Their Ambassadors. Moderated by Tyrone Rontganger, German Mister Leather 2014
5.00 – 7.00 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Networking Reception
Host: TOMONTOUR
Powered by: IGLTA, Pink Pillow Berlin Collection
To register, click here: tomontour-networking-reception-registration
Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Hall 4.1
1.00 – 1.30 p.m.
Expert Talk: Emerging Destinations and Community-Based Guidance “A Writer’s Perspective!” with Alicia Valenski, travel author, interview with Tom Hall, Lonely Planet.
3.00 – 3.30 p.m.
Presentation: Redefining LGBTQ+ Health and Well-Being: Tailored Care for Unique Needs. Presented by Dr. Prem Jagyasi, DrPrem.com
4.00 – 5.00 p.m.
Panel discussion: Co-Creating Queer Future Inclusive Experiences with AI and Sustainability. Panellists: Bernard Lynch, QuRated Travel; Rika Jean Francois, founder, MissionRespo - Responsible Tourism Strategies; Giovanna Ceccherini, Sonders & Beach and Concetta D'Emma, Unconventional Hospitality. Moderated by Giuseppe Giulio, JN Global Project
8.30 – 11.30 p.m.
IGLTA LGBTQ+ ITB Party at Axel Hotel Berlin
Hosted by the IGLTA
Thursday, 6 March 2025
Hall 4.1
10.00 – 10.30 a.m.
Networking Breakfast Snack
10.30 – 10.45 a.m.
Official opening & welcome
Thomas Bömkes, ITB LGBTQ+ tourism advisor, managing director, Diversity Tourism and Javier Leonor, HR Global Inclusion & Diversity, Accenture, accenture.com
10.45 – 11.30 a.m.
Survey presentations: The findings of the latest McKinsey survey titled ’Effective employee resource groups are key to inclusion at work’, and of the GLAAD Media Institute under the heading ’Visibility Perceptions in Advertising’. Presented by Javier Leonor, HR Global Inclusion & Diversity, Accenture, accenture.com.
11.30 a.m. – 12.00 noon
Best Practice presentation: Business Outcomes in the “Village” from a Doctoral Perspective. Presented by Roger Holzapfel-Barta, Deutsche Eiche, München
1.45 – 2.15 p.m.
Breakout Talk: Candy Licious - Travelling the LGBTQ+ World as a Drag Queen. Interview by Giuseppe Giulio, JN Global Project
Full details of the programme will be available in mid-February at lgbt-tourism and will also be listed in the overview of events.
The 4Hoteliers.com ITB Berlin 2025 (March) marketing programs are open - Click for more...
