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The recent immigration policies of President Donald Trump have led to a sharp decline in LGBTQ+ tourists from around the world, a segment of travelers that has historically been crucial for the U.S. industry.
The new regulations require travelers to present documentation confirming their "sex at birth," which instills fear among transgender and non-binary individuals and has led to a reduction of over 25% in bookings, reports the news portal Euro News.
Since January, the Trump administration has promoted a series of measures that establish federal recognition exclusively of male and female genders, which directly impacts those who have documents with different gender markers, such as 'X'.
In that context, several European countries began issuing specific warnings for their LGTBIQ+ citizens planning to travel to the U.S.
Denmark, Germany, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Portugal have also updated their travel guidelines, and now advise citizens trans or non-binary to consult with the U.S. embassy before traveling.
Some of these have noted that visa forms may require "biological sex at birth," a requirement that could invalidate legal documents issued in Europe.
The economic consequences are already beginning to be felt. The French hotel group Accor SA reported a 25% drop in bookings from Europe to the U.S. for the summer.
According to preliminary data from the U.S. National Office of Travel and Tourism, visits from Western Europe decreased by 1% year over year in February 2025, in contrast to the 14% increase in the same month the previous year.
Specialized agencies like Out of Office, which offers luxury travel for the LGTBIQ+ community, also confirm an increase in inquiries from clients concerned about their safety.
"Many ask about their rights, about how they will be treated in hotels or at the border," explained Darren Burn, its CEO.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has also noted an increase in the concerns of its members.
Its president, John Tanzella, emphasized that "travelers are rightly concerned about issues such as healthcare, border controls, and safety in states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws."
All of this is compounded by increasing diplomatic tension between the U.S. and Europe, partly caused by stricter immigration measures and a more confrontational foreign policy from the current U.S. government.
This hostile climate has caused many to reconsider their vacation destination.
In 2023, Europeans spent over 155 billion dollars on trips to the U.S. That flow of tourists is now at risk if restrictions and the lack of guarantees continue to alienate a segment of travelers that has historically been crucial for the U.S. tourism industry.
Frequently asked questions about the new gender identity regulations in the U.S. and their impact on tourism
Why do the gender identity policies in the U.S. affect LGBTQ+ tourism?
The gender identity policies of the U.S. are impacting LGTBIQ+ tourism due to the requirement for travelers to present documents confirming their "sex at birth." This measure creates uncertainty and fear among transgender and non-binary individuals, prompting them to reconsider their travel plans to the country. Additionally, several European countries have issued specific warnings to their LGTBIQ+ citizens about the complications they may face when attempting to enter the U.S.
What measures has Europe taken in response to the new policies of the U.S.?
Several European countries have updated their travel guidelines, advising transgender or non-binary individuals to consult with the U.S. embassy before traveling. They have also warned that visa forms may require the "biological sex at birth," which could invalidate legal documents issued in Europe. This reflects Europe's concern about the impact of U.S. policies on its citizens.
What is the economic impact of the new gender identity policies on tourism in the U.S.?
The new gender identity policies have begun to economically impact tourism in the U.S., with a 25% drop in bookings from Europe to the country for the summer. This decline is partly due to uncertainty and fear among LGTBIQ+ tourists, which has led to a decrease in visits from Western Europe and could result in a significant loss of revenue for the U.S. tourism industry.
How do Trump's immigration policies affect the international perception of the U.S.?
Trump's immigration policies are creating a negative global perception of the U.S. as a tourist destination. The country's image is impacted by border incidents, hostile rhetoric towards foreigners and immigrants, and stricter immigration measures. This has led many to reconsider their plans to visit the U.S. and has resulted in travel warnings from several European countries.
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