Booking.com Trains 7,000 Properties After LGBTQ+ Survey as Shares Drop 2.33%
BKNG•Booking.com’s Travel Proud survey found that just 36% of Australian LGBTQ+ travellers are ‘out’ when abroad, with 44% concealing their identity to visit dream destinations, and 51% taking extra safety precautions. Separately, shares declined 2.33% in the latest session, closing at $171.63 amid broader market weakness.
1. LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Findings
Booking.com’s Travel Proud Research surveyed over 13,000 travellers globally, including 1,000 Australians, finding only 36% of Australian LGBTQ+ travellers feel safe being ‘out’ abroad and 44% hide their identity to visit bucket-list destinations. The report highlights rising precautions—51% share live locations, 21% use VPNs, 16% carry burner phones—and shows that technological tools helped 65% of travellers plan inclusive trips.
2. Inclusivity Training Roll-out
In response to safety concerns, Booking.com has trained nearly 7,000 Australian properties under its Travel Proud programme to improve staff representation, add visible Pride flags and gender-neutral facilities. This initiative is part of a global effort covering over 142,000 properties aimed at enhancing traveller confidence and broadening market appeal.
3. Share Price Movement
BKNG shares fell 2.33%, closing at $171.63 in the most recent trading session, underperforming the broader market. Market observers point to sector-wide tech pressure as the primary driver, noting that the inclusivity report itself did not introduce immediate revenue impacts.
