Gay Airbnb: The Benefits of Hosting LGBTQ+ Travelers

Are you a host on Airbnb looking to increase your bookings and earn loyal customers? If so, one effective strategy is to become an inclusive host. By providing a safe and welcoming environment for all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, you can tap into a growing market of travelers who are seeking out hosts that are welcoming and inclusive.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of being an inclusive host, including increased bookings and revenue, positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations and building a reputation as a socially responsible and welcoming host. We’ll also provide hosting tips on Airbnb, including how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, examples of small touches that can make a big difference, and how to address common concerns and questions.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of why being an inclusive host is important, and how you can tap into the lucrative and growing market.

The Growing Demand for Gay-friendly Accommodations

The demand for LGBTQ+ friendly travel is on the rise–and not just for gay cisgender men–with more and more travelers seeking out accommodations and experiences that are welcoming and inclusive. According to a 2020 survey conducted by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), 77% of LGBTQ+ travelers said that they prefer to stay in LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations, and 72% said that it’s important to them that the destination they visit is LGBTQ+ friendly.

This trend is reflected in the growing market for LGBTQ+ travel. The same IGLTA survey found that LGBTQ+ travel spending is expected to reach $218 billion by 2022, up from $211 billion in 2018. Additionally, a report by LGBT Capital estimated that the global LGBTQ+ travel market was worth $211 billion in 2017 and is projected to grow to $363 billion by 2022.

For hosts who cater to the LGBTQ+ travel market, this represents a significant opportunity. By creating a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ guests, hosts can tap into a growing market and potentially increase their earnings. This can involve anything from providing information on local LGBTQ+ events and venues, to ensuring that the accommodations themselves are safe and comfortable for LGBTQ+ guests.

Overall, the demand for LGBTQ+ friendly travel is only going to continue to grow in the coming years, and hosts who are willing to cater to this demographic stand to benefit from a potentially large and lucrative market.

Why stay in gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodations?

Many queer travelers prefer to stay in gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodations for a variety of reasons. One of the primary reasons is safety and comfort. LGBTQ+ individuals may feel more comfortable staying in accommodations that are welcoming and understanding of their needs. In some parts of the world, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face discrimination, harassment, or violence, so staying in a gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation can help ensure their safety and peace of mind.

Moreover, staying in a gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation can provide a sense of community and belonging. Queer travelers may be more likely to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals, share experiences, and make friends. This can be especially important for solo travelers who may be looking for a sense of camaraderie and support.

Gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodations can also provide a more tailored experience. These accommodations may offer specific amenities or services that cater to the LGBTQ+ community, such as rainbow flags, LGBTQ+ literature, or information on local LGBTQ+ events and venues. This can help travelers feel more included and valued.

Lastly, choosing to stay in a gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation can also be a way to support the LGBTQ+ community. By patronizing these establishments, travelers can help contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world. It sends a message that businesses that welcome and support the LGBTQ+ community are valued and necessary.

In summary, staying in a gay-friendly or gay-owned accommodation is a personal choice, and it can provide many benefits. These accommodations can offer safety, community, tailored experiences, and a way to support the LGBTQ+ community.

The potential market size for hosts who cater to this demographic

The potential market size for hosts who cater to the LGBTQ+ demographic is difficult to quantify precisely, as it can vary greatly depending on the location and type of accommodation. However, it is estimated that the LGBTQ+ travel market is a significant and growing segment of the overall travel industry.

According to the same survey by the IGLTA mentioned earlier, the global LGBTQ+ travel market worth approximately $218 billion includes expenditures on accommodations, transportation, food and beverage, entertainment, and other travel-related expenses.

The report also found that an LGBTQ+ traveler tends to spend more than the average traveler, with an average expenditure of $1,374 per trip, compared to $950 for non-LGBTQ+ travelers. Additionally, they tend to take more frequent trips, with an average of 3.5 trips per year, compared to 2.8 for non-LGBTQ+ travelers.

Furthermore, the report found that the LGBTQ+ travel market is expected to continue to grow, with an estimated 180 million LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide and a growing number of countries enacting pro-LGBTQ+ laws and policies.

Overall, while the potential market size for hosts who cater to the LGBTQ+ demographic may vary depending on location and other factors, it is clear that the market represents a significant and growing segment of the overall travel industry, with high levels of spending and frequency of travel.

The Benefits of Being an Inclusive Host

As a host, one of the most important things you can do is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for your guests and not just purely to create a more welcoming world. By doing so, you can reap a number of benefits, both in terms of your bookings and revenue, as well as your reputation and overall business success. In this post, we’ll explore some of the key benefits of being an inclusive host, and why it’s essential for any successful hosting business.

Increased bookings and revenue

One of the most obvious benefits of being an inclusive host is the potential to increase your bookings and revenue. When guests feel welcomed and valued, they’re more likely to book with you again in the future and recommend your property to others. This can help to create a steady stream of bookings and revenue, which is essential for any successful hosting business.

Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations

In addition to increased bookings and revenue, being an inclusive host can also lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. When guests feel that they’ve been treated well and that their needs have been met, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews and recommend your property to others. This can help to build your reputation as a top-notch host and to attract even more guests to your property in the future.

Building a reputation as a welcoming and socially responsible host

Another key benefit of being an inclusive host is the ability to build a reputation as a welcoming and socially responsible host. In today’s increasingly diverse and interconnected world, guests are looking for hosts who are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. By demonstrating that you value diversity and inclusivity, you can set yourself apart from other hosts, and attract guests who are looking for a socially responsible travel experience.

The potential for repeat business and loyal customers

Finally, being an inclusive host can also lead to the potential for repeat business and loyal customers. When guests feel that they’ve been well-cared for and that their needs have been met, they’re more likely to book with you again in the future. This can help to create a loyal customer base, which can be incredibly valuable for any hosting business. By investing in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, you can help to ensure that your guests come back to your property time and time again.

In conclusion, being an inclusive host is essential for any successful hosting business. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for your guests, you can reap a number of benefits, including increased bookings and revenue, positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, a reputation as a socially responsible host, and the potential for repeat business and loyal customers. So if you’re looking to take your hosting business to the next level, make sure that you’re doing everything you can to be an inclusive and welcoming host.

Tips for hosting gay travelers on Airbnb

As an Airbnb host, there are a number of things you can do to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for travelers. We’ll explore some hosting tips on Airbnb, including how to create a welcoming environment, small touches and details that can make a big difference, and common concerns and questions.

How to create a welcoming and inclusive environment

The first step to hosting gay travelers on Airbnb is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. This means being aware of the specific needs and concerns of LGBTQ travelers, and taking steps to address them. Some ways you can do this include:

1. Be clear and upfront about your LGBTQ-friendly status in your Airbnb listing. This can include mentioning that you are an LGBTQ host, or that your home is LGBTQ-friendly.
2. Provide information about nearby LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and other venues. This can help travelers feel more comfortable and connected to the local LGBTQ community.
3. Use inclusive language in all of your communication with guests. This can include using gender-neutral language, and avoiding assumptions about a guest’s gender or sexual orientation.

Examples of small touches and details that can make a big difference

In addition to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, there are a number of small touches and details that can make a big difference for gay travelers. These include:

1. Providing extra amenities like rainbow flags or LGBTQ magazines in private rooms. This can help to create a more welcoming and comfortable space.
2. The options of a private bedroom and private bathroom will be very appreciated. Private rooms just sit better with a gay couple compared to a shared room.
3. Offering to provide local LGBTQ resources, such as maps or directories of LGBTQ-friendly hotels and businesses.
4. Including a welcome note or message that explicitly welcomes gay travelers to your home.

Common concerns and questions and how to address them

As an Airbnb host, you may encounter common concerns and questions. These can include concerns about safety and discrimination, as well as questions about local LGBTQ culture and resources. Some ways to address these concerns include:

1. Reassuring guests that your home is a safe and welcoming space for all travelers, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
2. Providing information about local LGBTQ-friendly hotels and businesses, and offering to help guests find LGBTQ-friendly activities and events.
3. Being prepared to address any concerns or questions that guests may have about LGBTQ culture or resources in your area.

By taking steps to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, offering small touches and details that can make a big difference, and addressing common concerns and questions, you can help to make the world a more welcoming place. As an LGBTQ-friendly host, you have the opportunity to create a space where all travelers feel safe, comfortable, and valued, and to make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

It’s important to tap into the LGBTQ+ travel market, which is a growing and lucrative segment of the travel industry. By becoming an LGBTQ-friendly host, you can not only attract more bookings and revenue but also make a positive impact on the world by creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all travelers.

In conclusion, as a host, by taking steps to be more inclusive and welcoming, you can help make the world a more welcoming and accepting place for all travelers and tap into a lucrative and growing market. So, let’s all work together to create a more welcoming world, one Airbnb stay at a time.

To help you focus on the guests, why not automate some of your day-to-day hosting tasks? iGMS’ vacation rental management software can help you streamline a lot of the process. Just a few things it can help you with include:

• Managing multiple accounts and listings on the top OTAs from a single interface.
• Synchronizing reservations across multiple platforms to eliminate double bookings.
• Using the unified inbox to organize your messages into a single feed to ensure prompt replies.
• Using automated templates and triggered messaging to improve communication.
• Automating the process of guest review send-outs.
• Creating and coordinating cleaning tasks with live tracking to completion.
• Task creation and team management with access control.
• Managing direct bookings using a direct booking management toolkit.

About the Author
Dani Kruger is an SEO Content Writer at iGMS. She is an avid reader and researcher of all things travel, always trying to keep her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and innovations. A self-proclaimed nerd, in her free time Dani enjoys reading, rollerskating, and dabbling in tabletop RPGs.