Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Drive Shift in U.S. Tourism: Queer Travelers Reconsider Destinations

Travel Plans in Flux: The Impact of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

Tourism in the United States is experiencing a significant shift as recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies prompt both domestic and international travelers to rethink their plans. According to a report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, a substantial percentage of transgender and gender-diverse individuals are now actively avoiding travel to states perceived as less affirming or enacting restrictive legislation. The report found that after the 2024 election, 70% of surveyed individuals said they were much or somewhat less likely to vacation in states viewed as less trans-affirming, and 65% felt similarly about traveling within less affirming parts of their own states. Notably, around 16% of respondents had either canceled or were considering canceling travel plans to such areas entirely.

International Apprehension: Declining Bookings and Growing Concerns

The ripple effects of these legislative changes are being felt beyond U.S. borders. European travel agencies and hospitality groups have reported a marked downturn in bookings to the United States. Accor SA, a major French hotel chain, noted a 25% drop in U.S.-bound bookings for the upcoming summer, a decline attributed in part to worries among LGBTQ+ travelers about new gender-based documentation policies and the overall safety climate.

Darren Burn, CEO of the luxury LGBTQ+ travel agency Out of Office, reported a "noticeable increase" in safety-related inquiries from their LGBTQ+ clientele, who are concerned about legal protections, treatment at borders, and the risk of discrimination in public spaces and accommodations. Likewise, the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has highlighted a surge in anxiety among LGBTQ+ travelers, especially regarding states that have enacted anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Policy Changes and Their Effects: Passport Rules and State Laws

Recent federal policy shifts, such as new rules requiring travelers to present documentation that matches their "sex at birth," have further complicated travel logistics and heightened anxiety for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. The Trump administration’s move to recognize only two biological sexes on official documents has introduced uncertainty for those using 'X' gender markers, which are no longer universally accepted at U.S. borders.

At the state level, the Trans Legislation Tracker reports that in 2025 there are 937 bills under consideration across the country that could negatively impact transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. These include measures affecting access to gender-affirming healthcare, public accommodations, and legal recognition. Such legislative activity has amplified concerns among travelers, who must now carefully assess the risks of visiting certain states.

Seeking Safer Destinations: The Shift Toward Europe and Beyond

In response to these developments, both U.S.-based and international LGBTQ+ travelers are increasingly opting for destinations perceived as safer and more inclusive. Europe, in particular, has become a preferred alternative for many. Out of Office founder Darren Burn reports a significant uptick in American clients choosing European vacations, motivated by a desire for safety, legal recognition, and a welcoming environment.

Burn notes, "In recent months, we've seen a significant shift in inquiries from LGBTQ+ American travellers looking to spend more time abroad, particularly in European destinations… They are looking for the sense of safety and inclusivity that many European countries offer". IGLTA and other organizations have stepped up efforts to provide guidance, support, and resources for queer travelers navigating these challenging circumstances.

Community Resources and Practical Advice

To address the unique challenges facing transgender and gender-diverse travelers, groups like the Genderiverse Travel Group (GTAG) have been offering practical resources and webinars. These initiatives focus on strategies for safe travel and how businesses can better accommodate LGBTQ+ visitors during this period of legal and social uncertainty.

Outlook: Ongoing Monitoring and Advocacy

As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to evolve, travel professionals and advocacy groups stress the importance of staying informed about current laws and seeking community support when planning travel. The ongoing shifts in travel patterns highlight the profound impact that legal environments have on the safety, well-being, and mobility of LGBTQ+ people in the United States and beyond.