Never before has there been so much passion for diversity, inclusiveness, and acceptance. Never before has there been so much pent-up desire to travel. This is a time when LGBTQ+ travelers can be their authentic selves while in safe harbors. And when in unsafe waters such as places where LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized, it’s a time for those barriers to begin to be broken down.

At the end of each year, and for the last seven years, The Gay Travel Awards, presented by GayTravel.com, gives us something to look forward to and inspires us to travel to far-off places where we’ll expand our hearts and minds - while meeting new friends along the way. Much like The Oscars take us away with great movies, The Gay Travel Awards introduce us to great (and inclusive) places.

As a trusted resource for over 23 years, GayTravel.com curates and recommends safe and welcoming hotels, tours, cruises, destinations, venues, restaurants, entertainment, bars, and more for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies worldwide. The purpose of The Gay Travel Awards is to recognize and reward travel-related businesses for their spirit of inclusivity and diversity, as well as for their exemplary customer service and hospitality excellence. Now in their junior year, Travel Influencers (couples and solo travelers) have been added to the line-up for their unique and valuable contributions to the Community.

Importantly, The Gay Travel Awards are with us throughout the year, starting with the nominations, followed by voting, and finally, winner selections. Why does this matter? The Community yearns for more than just a day at a Parade, a week at a festival, or a month of attention. . The Awards offer what the Community wants – recognition for contributors, role models for others to follow, and inspiration for positive change. When the deserving finalists are revealed, we hear people cheer: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year – The Gay Travel Awards are here!”

Click HERE to see this year’s winners.