Those were some of the key findings from a new Booking.com study of more than 3,000 LGBT+ travellers across Europe, North America and Australasia carried out this summer.

More than half (55%) of LGBT+ travellers also reported having “less-than-welcoming or uncomfortable experiences” at their accommodation during a trip. 

Meanwhile 25% have had staff assume they would need separate rooms or beds when checking in as a couple.

Despite highlighting difficult experiences, more than half of LGBT+ travellers surveyed by Booking.com (58%) said they had felt welcomed “most of the time” during their stay.

Travellers recalled interactions with staff throughout their stay (57%) and the check-in experience (47%) as “the most important factors” in creating a comfortable, welcoming stay.

To help improve situations for LGBT+ travellers, Booking.com has launched its Proud Hospitality programme – aiming to help its accommodation partners deliver “more inclusive” experiences. 

The free training scheme focuses on “the unique challenges and barriers faced by the LGBT+ community” and provides partners with practical skills and educational toolkits to allow them “confidently answer questions and support LGBT+ travellers more fully”.

Properties who complete the initiative will receive a "travel proud" badge on their business’s Booking.com page.