HBX Group, a leading force in B2B travel technology, and Queer Destinations, a global benchmark in LGBTQ+ tourism, have announced a new alliance designed to reshape the travel industry through inclusivity and sustainability. The two organizations have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate in promoting diversity, equity, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ travelers worldwide.
The LGBTQ+ travel market is estimated to exceed $4.7 trillion annually. If considered a country, it would represent the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to Credit Suisse. By joining forces, HBX Group and Queer Destinations aim to harness this potential while driving real transformation in how destinations, hotels, and service providers welcome and protect queer travelers.
As part of the agreement, HBX Group will implement Queer Destinations Committed standards across its corporation, training employees on LGBTQ+ inclusion and securing the official distinction. Queer Destinations will work alongside HBX Group to integrate inclusive booking tools, engage strategic partners, and highlight businesses that achieve the standards. Both organizations will also develop a joint communication strategy to amplify the alliance and encourage the industry to embrace diversity in meaningful ways.
Edgar Weggelaar, CEO of Queer Destinations, emphasized that inclusion is not only a fundamental value but also a driver of growth in tourism. “Pinkwashing is no longer acceptable. Travelers demand actions that generate real impact within companies and across society,” he said. Founder Oriol Pamies added that the partnership comes at a crucial time, as LGBTQ+ rights face challenges globally: “This alliance allows us to continue building safe spaces for the queer community — setting a new global standard that will forever change the way we travel.”
For HBX Group, the collaboration reflects a deep commitment to transformation within the industry. Elena Perez, Chief Human Resources and ESG Officer, noted: “At HBX Group, we believe that travel should be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. Partnering with Queer Destinations is a meaningful step toward sparking genuine change in how our industry understands diversity and inclusion.”
Looking ahead, the partnership will focus on delivering diversity training across HBX Group teams, engaging partners worldwide to adopt more inclusive practices, and amplifying the alliance through coordinated communication efforts. Together, HBX Group and Queer Destinations hope to redefine what inclusive tourism looks like and inspire the industry to stand on the right side of history.
