ANSAcom

Italy's 5 best destinations for LGBTQ+ travellers released

Booking.com aware of need for everyone to 'travel proud'

Rome 30 June 202216:26 ANSAcom

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 30 - Booking.com has released its most extensive LGBTQ+ travel research to date, revealing that 84% of LGBTQ+ Italian travellers have experienced less than welcoming, or uncomfortable, experiences while on holiday.With more than half (59%) of LGBTQ+ Italian travellers having experienced discrimination while travelling, through being subjected to stereotyping (26%) being stared at, laughed at or verbally abused by other travellers (20%) and/or locals (20%), it's not surprising that LGBTQ+ travellers face the added complexity of navigating a trip from selecting a destination all the way through to the activities they take part in.Booking.com recognizes the important role properties play in providing a more inclusive experience and is taking action to pave the way for everyone to Travel Proud.Launched in August 2021, Booking.com's Proud Hospitality training program is available in English and French, for its accommodation partners globally, with German and Spanish rolling out over the coming weeks.There are now also 10,000 Proud Certified properties across 95 countries and territories on its platform, including more than 100 in Italy.Booking.com has also highlighted five top queer-friendly holiday spots and Proud Certified properties in Italy: ROME - DOUBLETREE BY HILTON ROME MONTI Opposite the Colosseum there is the Rome's gay street 'Via San Giovanni', where you can find a lot of bars and clubs open to the whole LGBTQ+ community and visited by both men, women, and queers. It is a nice area to relax and have fun in a welcoming environment and with a great view on the beautiful colosseum.Where to stay: Just 15 mins walking from the Colosseum the DoubleTree By Hilton Rome Monti is located in one of the most ancient Roman neighbourhood, called Rione Monti. People particularly like its central position and the modern interior design.TURIN - RESIDENZA DELL' OPERA Turin is a traditionally gay friendly city encouraging LGBTQ+ tourism. The city has played a central role in the spread of LGBTQ+ movements in Italy since the 1970s, when a group of friends founded the the movement "Fuori" (Italian Revolutionary Homosexual Unitary Front). Turin offers the best gay friendly, restaurants, pubs and hotels in Italy.Where to stay: Residenza Dell' Opera Condo Hotel offers elegant room and apartments in the center of Turin, within 0.6 mi of Piazza Castello Square, the Royal Palace of Turin, and Madama Palace. It offers accommodation units, including a seating area, a desk and fully equipped kitchenette. Some units have beamed ceilings.FLORENCE - ROOM MATE ISABELLA Rich in culture and art, Florence is synonymous of elegance and charm. In November the city hosts the Florence Queer Festival, the most important Tuscan festival dedicated to Queer culture.The festival feature films, short films, book presentations, exhibitions and panels about the history of the LGBTQIA + movement.Where to stay: the Room Mate Isabella is an elegant 19th-century building on Florence's designer shopping street, a 5-minute walk from the Uffizi Gallery and the cathedral. It features uniquely decorated rooms and offers a reading room where to relax and enjoy a good book.MILAN - WORLD HOTEL CASATI 18 Milan has for some time become the reference city for the Italian LGBTQ + community, because of the atmosphere of inclusion and liberty that reigns in its streets. Of all the districts, the Porta Venezia area is certainly the most suitable to celebrate the LGBTQ + community. During the Pride Month here in Porta Venezia many events are organized to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, with Piazza Bellintani becoming the Pride Square and with via Lecco as the meeting point for demonstrations, festivals and DJ sets.Where to stay: Located 701 m from Milan's Central Station, WorldHotel Casati 18 is a 5-minute walk from the shopping street Corso Buenos Aires and a 5-minute walk from Porta Venezia. Rooms are stylish and come with dark-wood furniture and characteristic Italian products are available for breakfast.NAPLES - ARTEMISIA DOMUS Naples is a city with a prominent and active LGBTQ+ community, and much to see, do and enjoy. The city loves and supports its LGBTQ+ community with a variety of locals, bars and resources.There is also The Naples Pride Center, a volunteer-based community group supporting, encouraging, and advocating for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies across the city.Where to stay: Artemisia Domus is a boutique hotel, particularly appreciated by guests for its central location and for the attentive and friendly staff. It is located in the heart of Naples and is surrounded by restaurants bars and shops, offering very typical staff and food.Arjan Dijk, CMO and Senior Vice President at Booking.com said: "At Booking.com we believe the industry is uniquely placed to support everyone in experiencing the world as themselves, always. From searching and booking accommodation, to planning trips and looking to support local LGBTQ+ owned or supportive businesses, there's an opportunity for the industry to enable, inform and support the LGBTQ+ community to travel the world and experience different cultures. The potential is largely untapped. And as a gay traveler myself, I've faced barriers to travel and discrimination but have also witnessed progressive change over the years. By taking action to pave the way for a more inclusive industry, we hope to set the stage for wider change that will up the standard of travel for everyone."

In collaboration with:
Booking.com