Booking.com trains hotels to welcome LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide

THE NEWS:
More than 150,000 properties across 163 countries and 20,000 cities have completed Booking.com’s free Travel Proud education program, earning a Travel Proud badge that marks them as LGBTQ‑friendly.

DETAILS:

• The Travel Proud initiative was developed in partnership with HospitableMe.
• The training consists of a free 90‑minute online course offered in 11 languages.
• Completed properties receive a Travel Proud badge on Booking.com and appear in the “Travel Proud (LGBTQ+ friendly)” filter.
• The curriculum uses real‑world scenarios, scripts and tips to teach neutral language, privacy awareness and respectful ways to confirm names or bed preferences.
• Booking.com research shows 31 % of LGBTQ+ respondents felt comfortable being fully open away from home, while 44 % said they increased precautions.

WHY IT MATTERS:
By equipping hosts with inclusive practices and signaling LGBTQ‑friendly status through the badge, the program helps reduce friction for LGBTQ+ travelers during booking and check‑in, improving their comfort and safety.

FAQ

How many properties have completed the Travel Proud training?
More than 150,000 properties across 163 countries and 20,000 cities have completed Booking.com’s Travel Proud training, earning a badge that identifies them as LGBTQ‑friendly, according to the program’s announcement.

What does the Travel Proud training consist of?
The training is a free 90‑minute online course available in 11 languages, created with HospitableMe, and it teaches hosts neutral language, privacy awareness and respectful ways to confirm names or bed preferences through real‑world scenarios and scripts.

What did Booking.com’s research reveal about LGBTQ+ travelers’ comfort levels?
The research cited that 31 % of LGBTQ+ respondents felt comfortable being fully open away from home, while 44 % reported they had to increase precautions, highlighting ongoing friction that the Travel Proud program

Read Original Article.