07 Oct Queer Destinations announces the Opening of its First Joint Venture based in Germany in Partnership with Diversity Tourism GmbH
Munich, October 6, 2025 – Queer Destinations, aleading company in the LGBTQ+ segment, has announced the expansion of its presence in German-speaking markets through a joint venture with Diversity Tourism GmbH, the region’s leading inclusive travel consultancy for LGBTQ+ tourism. The alliance, formalized in August, gives rise to Queer Destinations DACH, the organization’s official representation office for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The collaboration combines Queer Destinations’ global expertise, present in 15 countries, with the regional knowledge of Diversity Tourism GmbH.
The alliance will accelerate the adoption of Queer Destinations Committed, a certification that provides tourism companies with comprehensive training in diversity, guidelines for respect, and anti-discrimination protocols. “The DACH region plays a key role in European tourism, both as a source market and as a hub for international travelers,” said Oriol Pamies, founder of Queer Destinations. “Its direct commitment to safety and diversity will have an impact on tourism worldwide.”
Edgar Weggelaar, CEO of Queer Destinations, underscored this importance: “German-speaking countries are the heart of European tourism and have long been leaders in LGBTQ+ travel. But progress is never guaranteed.” He also stated that “this partnership ensures that the DACH region continues to set the standard for inclusive tourism worldwide.”
“While some destinations are moving backwards, the DACH region has a unique chance to strengthen its leadership,” said Rika Jean François, Head of International Business Relations at Queer Destinations. “This joint initiative helps ensure that tourism here remains a safe and welcoming space for all.”
For his part, Thomas Bömkes, Managing Director of Diversity Tourism GmbH, highlighted the “enormous opportunity for the DACH region to become a role model for standardized LGBTQ+ training for all tourism suppliers, and through this partnership will set the standard for inclusive tourism worldwide.”
A framework for inclusive growth in the DACH region
Queer Destinations will lead the regional expansion strategy and ensure alignment with its international standards, including its ‘Hospitality Meets Diversity’ training, through which it will oversee the training of value chains in diversity and respect.
For its part, Diversity Tourism GmbH will act as the regional connector, engaging with destinations, businesses, and institutions across all German-speaking markets.
Both organizations will implement shared growth objectives, monitoring systems, and coordination mechanisms to build a long-term, sustainable framework for inclusive tourism.
With the creation of Queer Destinations DACH, the company reinforces its global mission: to work alongside governments, destinations, and businesses to deliver safe, respectful, and inclusive travel experiences—especially in markets that set the tone for the industry worldwide.
About Diversity Tourism GmbH
Diversity Tourism GmbH, based in Munich, offers specialized consulting and marketing services in LGBTQ tourism. Core activities include consulting, strategic advisory, and creative marketing solutions for destinations, brands, and organizers promoting LGBTQ travel. A key focus is Medical Tourism and integrating LGBTQ topics into sales, communications, and product development. At ITB Berlin, the company showcases expertise in LGBTQ tourism, combining destination marketing with measurable business outcomes. Through the Tomontour platform, the agency reaches a relevant community, supporting brands in visibility, reach, and authenticity within the LGBTQ travel space. Regular events organized by the agency include PROUD Wiesn on the Munich Oktoberfest and Pride events, alongside additional formats that advance diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ culture in tourism regions.
