Queenstown, a breathtaking destination renowned for its two-decade-long commemoration of pride through the annual Winter Pride festivities, stands as a testament to the embracing of diversity. As part of its unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and safety, Booking.com proudly returns as a platinum partner for Queenstown Winter Pride for the third consecutive year. This year marks the launch of the exclusive ‘Ride with Pride,’ an SUV transfer service designed to provide festival-goers with a secure and all-encompassing means of transportation to key on-mountain events.
The ‘Ride with Pride’ experience encompasses an exclusive transfer service tailored for one booking per day. This luxurious service will whisk your group from your designated pick-up point in the morning, transporting you to the slopes for an unforgettable day of festivities around Queenstown, before ensuring your safe return in the afternoon. A limited number of seats are available for this exclusive one-off experience and can be booked here.
- Pride Colour Run: Monday 28th August – 9 am to 4 pm / The Remarkables Ski Area
- Charity Fun Run: Wednesday 30th August – 9 am to 4 pm / The Remarkables Ski Area
- Pride Night Ski: Friday 1st September – 4 pm to 9 pm / The Coronet Peak Ski Area
Proceeds from ‘Ride with Pride’ bookings and the Winter Pride event will be donated to OutLine Aotearoa. This contribution will further bolster the positive impact that OutLine Aotearoa consistently imparts on LGBTQIA+ communities throughout New Zealand. It is worth noting that Booking.com’s commitment extends to a generous $10,000 donation, marking the third year of collaboration with OutLine Aotearoa.
This comprehensive study, the most extensive exploration of LGBTQIA+ travel conducted by Booking.com, spanned 27 countries, including the captivating Aotearoa. The research brings into sharp focus the strides made as well as the recent setbacks encountered by these communities when embarking on journeys of exploration and self-discovery.
Within this insightful research, it was revealed that a substantial 76% of respondents disclosed that controversies spotlighted in media regarding attitudes, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals have significantly influenced their selection of travel destinations. This attests to the profound influence that the media’s portrayal of LGBTQIA+ issues can wield, thereby shaping the preferences of these intrepid travelers.
Safety as a Paramount Consideration
In a groundbreaking revelation unveiled today by Booking.com, a prominent global travel platform, an astonishing 85% of LGBTQIA+ travelers from New Zealand have revealed that they now factor in their personal safety and well-being when selecting their travel destinations. This statistic represents a remarkable surge from the 58% reported in the year 2022, showcasing the burgeoning significance of security in travel decisions within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The safety of LGBTQIA+ travelers has emerged as an intensified focal point during travel planning. A staggering 70% of respondents expressed that certain destinations are now entirely off-limits due to concerns over personal safety. This heightened vigilance is further emphasized by the revelation that over half of these travelers (56%) have canceled trips over the past year upon encountering destinations that fail to support LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Interestingly, the travel industry has emerged as a catalyst in reshaping attitudes and perceptions, as an impressive 84% of respondents acknowledged feeling more at ease with traveling due to the industry’s burgeoning inclusivity. Moreover, 74% of travelers are now more inclined to seek out attractions and activities tailored to LGBTQIA+ individuals, underlining a progressive shift towards greater acceptance and recognition within the travel sphere.
A Kaleidoscope of Positive Experiences
Amid the cautious approach to travel decisions, an encouraging trend of positive interactions has emerged, bolstering the confidence of LGBTQIA+ communities. A resounding 93% of Kiwi LGBTQIA+ travelers attest to experiencing some form of positive engagement, particularly in the realm of accommodations:
- 50% have engaged in friendly and informative communication with their accommodations before arrival, a significant increase from 37% in 2022.
- 53% have encountered warm and welcoming first impressions upon arrival, including gestures like welcome drinks and hospitable staff, reflecting a rise from 49% in 2022.
“At Booking.com, we are unwavering in our belief that every individual deserves to explore the world as their authentic selves,” Todd Lacey, Regional Manager Oceania at Booking.com said in a press release. “While strides have been made in enhancing the visibility, understanding, and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals, these advancements must not be taken for granted.”
