04 Jun A More Inclusive Journey Begins: Spain’s LGBTI Travel Guide Launches in Torremolinos
More than 100 tourism professionals gathered in Torremolinos to attend the official launch of the Spain LGBTI Travel Experiences Guide, an innovative digital platform that connects destinations, spaces, and experiences committed to diversity and inclusion.
This guide emerges as a strategic tool to transform Spain’s tourism model, promoting safer, more respectful, and more representative environments for LGBTIQ+ travelers. Through an interactive web app and certified recommendations, it provides access to inclusive accommodations, restaurants, events, and activities that meet standards in training, social responsibility, and diversity.
The project is coordinated by Queer Destinations, an international organization specializing in inclusive tourism, and funded by the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme through Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism. It is built on the Hospitality Meets Diversity methodology, which has already trained over 200,000 tourism professionals, and marks a major step toward a tourism model where diversity is not just promised—but truly experienced: “This is not just a digital platform. It’s a real bridge between committed destinations and LGBTIQ+ individuals looking for something as essential as feeling safe, welcomed, and recognized while traveling,” said Oriol Pàmies, founder of Queer Destinations.
An Inclusive Tourism Model in Action
ACOGAT, a key business association in the tourism sector, has been instrumental in the project’s local rollout, encouraging the engagement of inclusive tourism providers. Torremolinos was chosen for the launch event in recognition of its long-standing role as a pioneer destination for LGBTIQ+ visibility and rights.
The project is supported by leading partners such as Axel Hotels, Respira Comunicación, and Shangay, who contribute from the hospitality, communications, and cultural sectors to extend the Guide’s reach and impact.
The launch event was opened by Ignacio Martínez, president of ACOGAT, and featured institutional remarks by Francisco García Macías, Councillor for Equality of Torremolinos City Council, and Francisco Javier Salas, Government Delegate in Málaga. Both emphasized the critical role of public institutions in building a plural, inclusive, and sustainable tourism model aligned with democratic values.
The presentation covered the origins, purpose, and evolving features of the Guide, positioning it as a dynamic and trusted tool. It aims to enhance the travel experience for LGBTIQ+ individuals, support businesses that embrace diversity as a value-added asset, and foster employment opportunities in the field of inclusive tourism.
The event concluded with a media session, networking, and celebratory toast. Since the launch, numerous organizations have shown interest in joining the initiative—affirming its significance in today’s tourism landscape.
Want to be part of the Guide?
If your company, venue, or institution is committed to a more inclusive tourism model, this is your chance to join a network driving diversity and transformation across the sector.
👉 Request more information or join here:
https://spainlgbti.com/home/formulario/