Travel is universal, but for the LGBTQ+ traveller, it can be a little more complicated.
Steenberg Hotel sunrise
The IGLTA is an international platform founded in 1983, providing information and connecting tourism businesses, operators, and agents with welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in over 80 countries. Now, Steenberg Farm has announced it is the first winery in South Africa to join the association.
Travel is a way to exchange new perspectives, but visiting a new country includes possible unknowns, such as threats of violence or discomfort that rob that opportunity from millions of potential travellers.
Creating environments where LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and plus) travellers feel comfortable makes travelling richer for everyone. South Africa has one of the largest tourism industries in Africa and in recent years, the LGBTQ+ travel market has become one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Steenberg Golf Club
According to new international trends, South Africa has been named one of the best countries for LGBTQ+ travel. The report aims to raise awareness of global attitudes for LGBTQ+ travellers. South Africa ranked 11th with an LGBTQ+ travel index score of 86.2 (out of a possible 100 points).
To determine the most gay-friendly travel destinations, MyDatingAdviser compared 34 countries across eight key indicators of LGBTQ+ friendliness. It looked at categories like social acceptance towards homosexuality, sexual activity rights, civil union rights, marriage rights, adoption rights, military service rights, anti-discrimination laws and gender-identity laws.
Tryn Restaurant
Sweden claimed the top spot at 98.2%, followed by the Netherlands at 97.6%, and Spain at 89%. Other destinations featured on the list included France, the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Israel, the US and Mexico.
Jonkershuis One bedroom suite Lounge (Room 24)
‘If you are a luxury establishment and want to stay a step ahead of the game, it should be an absolute priority to join a respected institution like this in order to promote your business as inclusive,’ says Neilen Tolmay, marketing manager at Steenberg Farm, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
‘At Steenberg, we pride ourselves on our personalised experiences and are ready for all discerning markets. In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming our LGBTQ+ community into the Steenberg family,’ he adds.
Visit The Steenberg Farm website or follow @SteenbergFarm on Facebook and Instagram to find out more.
Pictures: Supplied
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