LGBTQ+ couples go for destination weddings, drive pink tourism

New Delhi: Amrita and Rituparna have been collectively for greater than six years. Like some other couple, they’ve travelled collectively — each inside India and internationally (Vietnam), constructed a life collectively and even navigated the bureaucratic hurdles to open a joint checking account.When it got here to celebrating their love, they selected a setting far faraway from the bustling metros the place LGBTQ+ communities sometimes discover protected areas. Their dedication ceremony is going down Friday on Majuli, the world’s largest river island, nestled within the Brahmaputra in Assam.

Whereas same-sex marriage isn’t legally recognised in India, the ceremony is a deeply private milestone, surrounded by their chosen household and a few organic kin. Their story is a part of a rising pattern: LGBTQ+ people in search of affirmation, celebration and group in journey — whether or not for weddings, honeymoons or just exploring locations the place they are often their genuine selves.

This shift is fuelling what the journey business phrases pink tourism or rainbow tourism, a sector that caters particularly to LGBTQ+ travellers. Based on market analysis agency Coherent Market Insights, the LGBT tourism market globally was estimated at $331.14 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to succeed in $552.96 billion by 2031, rising at a CAGR of seven.6%.

Indian same-sex {couples} are trying past home choices to locations that supply authorized recognition and an inclusive environment, stated on-line journey company EaseMyTrip.

“They’re usually drawn to locations recognized for his or her vibrant LGBTQ+ tradition, welcoming insurance policies and scenic marriage ceremony venues, making certain not only a authorized ceremony however an immersive expertise in a vacation spot that totally embraces their love and identification,” stated an organization spokesperson.“Within the USA, Hearth Island Pines and the Finger Lakes provide scenic and welcoming venues. Santorini and Crete in Greece are sought-after for his or her romantic coastal appeal, whereas Barcelona and Sitges in Spain entice {couples} with their energetic queer-friendly environment. Whistler and Toronto in Canada present gorgeous landscapes and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, whereas Iceland’s Reykjavik and the Golden Circle provide breath-taking pure settings,” the spokesperson stated.With rising demand, journey corporations now provide tailor-made marriage ceremony packages that cater to same-sex {couples}. From all-inclusive resort celebrations costing round $3,000–10,000 to luxurious weddings in Santorini or Bora Bora going as much as $20,000, these packages guarantee not only a lovely ceremony but in addition an expertise freed from discrimination.

Particular resorts, corresponding to Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Riu Palace Aruba and Hilton Playa del Carmen have even begun actively advertising and marketing marriage ceremony packages tailor-made to LGBTQ+ {couples}.

The pattern can also be seen in Reserving.com’s information on Indian LGBTQ+ travellers. Based on an organization survey, 52% favor locations the place LGBTQ+ tourism is already well-established, whereas 47% would contemplate locations the place their presence might contribute to larger acceptance. Moreover, 82% really feel snug checking in at lodging, and 86% report constructive experiences with hospitality employees, indicating that journey manufacturers are adapting to be extra inclusive.

This information is predicated on the Journey Proud 2024 Analysis commissioned by Reserving.com with response from 11,469 LGBTQ+ travellers from 27 international locations and territories.

Whereas the social and financial impression of pink tourism is obvious, the authorized implications stay advanced, particularly for Indian {couples}.

Sunita Sharma, founding father of SPJ Advocates, explains that whereas a wedding certificates from Thailand may be helpful for immigration, it has no authorized standing in India. “It’s vital for {couples} to remember that such recognition won’t routinely confer authorized rights in India with out additional legislative modifications or judicial interpretations.”

Whereas such marriages stay largely symbolic in India, they are often leveraged for sensible benefits elsewhere, stated Aditya Pratap, founding father of Aditya Pratap Legislation Workplaces. “Nations like Canada, the UK and many of the EU recognise international same-sex marriages for spousal visas and residency rights. Some jurisdictions additionally enable same-sex {couples} to undertake if legally married.”