Australians Alan Maurice, and his husband, David, are raring to come back to for the third time.
The couple have already completed the “Golden Triangle,” connecting the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, and earlier this year, they visited Mumbai and Hampi in southern India, famed for its temples and palaces.
“The idea is to visit Kerala, Kashmir, and Delhi soon — it has been on our bucket list. The agency arranging our trips has been great in organizing the tour,” Maurice told DW.
David agrees that his experience traveling in India was very enjoyable.
“I don’t recall a single bad instance in our travels. We are mindful and watchful but many of the places we visited offered inclusive environments, fostering a strong sense of community,” David told DW.
Alan and David are among the thousands of gay tourists visiting India, which is now recognized as an emerging destination for LGBTQ+ travel, driven by growing interest from the hospitality and tourism sectors and a surge in many players entering the market.
From high-end to budget travel
Companies like Indjapink, Pink Escapes, Pink Vibgyor, and LGBT Tourism India are catering specifically to the LGBTQ+ tourism market, offering tailored experiences. There range from high-end luxury experiences to budget-conscious backpacking options.
“We have seen a rising number of LGBTQ+ travelers choosing our hostels as their base to explore the diverse and vibrant spirit of India. They come not only for the sights but to feel seen, respected, and part of a larger, welcoming community,” Pranav Dangi, founder and CEO of “The Hosteller,” a backpacker hostel chain.
“We’ve not only hosted but also employed members from the LGBTQ+ community who have added immense contribution towards our organization’s growth. In our spaces, everyone is free to just be.”
India an emerging LGBTQ+ travel destination
According to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), a network of LGBTQ+ tourism businesses, India has been making strides in .
“India is undeniably an emerging destination in this travel sector, with hospitality and tourism sectors clearly showing more interest in the market,” John Tanzella, president and CEO of IGLTA, told DW.
“In recent years, legal advancements like decriminalizing same-sex relationships and recognizing a third gender have signaled a broader cultural shift toward acceptance,” he added.
According to the 2024 Gay Travel Index compiled by the Berlin-based International Spartacus Gay Guide, India is ranked 44th out of 213 countries and territories for LGBTQ+ travel safety, which is a significant improvement from its 82nd rank among 150 countries in the 2021 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index.
“I see India has potential. Groups asking for packages are steadily rising and my business is going up yearly by 15 to 20 % annually. We sensitize our guides, travel staff and drivers … it has been a good run,” Rajat Singla of LGBTQ+ travel agency Pink Vibgyor told DW.
Rajesh Khanna, executive director of Abercrombie & Kent, a leading luxury travel agency, told DW that the majority of the agency’s LGBTQ+ clientele come from North America, with a smaller segment from Europe.
“There’s growing acceptance of this niche. They love the festival of colors, Holi, and clients are now beginning to explore the south,” Khanna told DW.
High-end travel agencies like “Serene Journeys,” which offer exclusive and personalized travel for customers, speak to every traveler before curating their trip.
Robindro Saikhom, who runs the high-end LGBTQ+ travel agency “Serene Journeys,” told DW that he has taken several trips with his husband to India. He added his agency does not market India as a “gay destination” in the way cities like Sitges, San Francisco, or Berlin might be known for their pride parades and LGBTQ+ nightlife.
“Instead, we present India as a culturally rich, safe, and deeply rewarding destination — one that offers wellness, heritage, nature, culinary experiences, and meaningful connections,” he said.
LGBTQ+ tourism a growth sector
Though the precise number of gay couple arrivals in India are unavailable due to privacy and data considerations, the IGLTA says it has seen clear indicators of growth, with more travel agencies and tour operators offering over the past year.
“IGLTA membership in India has nearly doubled in recent years, highlighting the tourism sector’s increased recognition of the value and importance of welcoming this diverse global market,” Parth Patnaik, IGLTA’s India membership manager, told DW.
“With neighboring countries, such as Nepal, becoming more visibly inclusive, it’s helping to open India’s eyes to the potential,” he added.
India’s Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality in 2018, but . This issue is pending in Parliament.
Tanzella points out one of the biggest challenges is bridging the knowledge gap as more travel agencies cater to this sector.
“The key is ongoing education and authentic engagement with the community. And we’re hopeful that marriage equality will be the next important step, in the near future,” he said.
Edited by: Wesley Rahn
The post India sees increase in LGBTQ+ tourism appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
