Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Cast Shadow Over U.S. Tourism: Queer Travelers Rethink Destinations

The United States, long regarded as a diverse travel destination, is now facing mounting scrutiny from LGBTQ+ travelers in response to a significant uptick in anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies enacted across several states in 2025. According to advocacy organizations and travel industry leaders, the uncertainty and legal risks associated with these new measures are actively deterring queer travelers, especially those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, and are leading to a measurable downturn in tourism.

In 2025, the legislative landscape in the U.S. shifted dramatically, with nearly 940 bills under consideration that negatively impact transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. These legislative efforts span a range of restrictions, including limitations on gender-affirming care, bans on participation in sports, and changes to official identification requirements such as passport gender markers.

Recent changes to U.S. passport and immigration rules have added further anxiety for queer travelers. Under new policies, travelers may be required to present documentation showing their sex at birth, which has raised concerns about privacy, safety, and the risk of discrimination at borders.

The reaction from the travel industry has been swift. The French hotel chain Accor SA reported a 25 percent decline in bookings from Europe to the U.S. for the upcoming summer, a downturn attributed directly to concerns over the legal environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. LGBTQ+-focused travel agencies, such as Out of Office, have noted a significant increase in inquiries regarding safety, legal protections, and the potential treatment at U.S. borders and accommodations.

Dean Nelson, a travel advisor and LGBTQ+ tourism consultant, reported that some clients are canceling or rescheduling cruises to avoid U.S. ports, particularly those in Florida, which has recently enacted several high-profile anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Instead, these travelers are opting for itineraries that begin and end in more inclusive regions, such as Europe.

Duncan Greenfield-Turk, chief travel designer at Global Travel Moments, emphasized that for transgender travelers, the risks are now perceived as too high. The lack of clear legal guidance and the possibility of facing discrimination at the border have made the U.S. an increasingly unattractive destination for many.

LGBTQ+ travelers and advocacy organizations are responding by seeking out destinations within the U.S. that have reputations for inclusivity and robust legal protections. Jaike Rowe of Out of Office noted that while some clients are avoiding the U.S. entirely, others are focusing on cities and states known for their LGBTQ+ support, such as New York, California, and Illinois.

Meanwhile, organizations like the International Gay Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and its Genderiverse Travel Group (GTAG) are providing resources and practical guidance for transgender and gender-diverse travelers navigating the current environment. GTAG recently hosted a webinar addressing the unique challenges faced by transgender visitors and offering strategies for businesses to better support LGBTQ+ clients.

The chilling effect of anti-LGBTQ+ laws extends beyond individual travelers, posing broader economic risks for the U.S. tourism sector. According to a recent survey, 83% of LGBTQ+ respondents said that it is important for a destination to be LGBTQ+-welcoming, and more than 90% indicated they would avoid destinations with anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

Industry leaders warn that even states and cities with historically strong reputations for inclusivity may suffer if the national legal climate continues to deteriorate, potentially resulting in lost revenue and diminished international standing for the U.S. as a welcoming destination for all travelers.