In May, the NAACP, one of the most influential black social justice organizations in the country, issued a travel advisory for tourists of color thinking about visiting Florida.
Just last week, Canada announced a similar travel advisory, albeit for members of the LGBTQ+ community traveling to the United States.
While Canada’s Global Affairs Division does not name specific states, it recommends travelers check local laws before embarking.
At least 14 states have passed over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws since the beginning of 2023, According to the American Civil Liberties Union, this is a new record.
“We hear this from Canada. Unfortunately, we hear this from other communities too,” said John Tanzella, CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. “It is alarming that our country is regressing in so many communities. It happens.”
But, Tanzella warns, the issue is nuanced because there are “tons” of LGBTQ+ businesses seeking tourism business.
“There are bastions of LGBTQ communities in Florida. If you look at Fort Lauderdale, where I am, or Miami, the Keys, Tampa-St. Pete and Orlando, they are very hospitable and very large communities. That’s why we always try to say that even if the government or politicians say something, that’s not necessarily what’s happening on the ground,” Tanzella explained.
According to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, the LGBTQ+ community generates approximately US$100 billion in annual travel spending both domestically and internationally.
“Evil alcohol lover. Twitter junkie. Future teen idol. Reader. Food aficionado. Introvert. Coffee evangelist. Typical bacon enthusiast.”