Tourism really is a formidable force for positive change in the world—as cliché as that might sound. In a climate where progress feels less like it’s taking a step backward and more like it’s staggering backward off a cliff, never have we needed it more.

Diversity and inclusion are the very pillars of LGBTQ+-focused tourism, and the ITB Diversity Gala shows exactly what that looks like when taken from the abstract into reality. The LGBTQ+ awards ceremony is held as part of ITB Berlin—the world’s largest B2B tourism trade fair—every year and brings together individuals, organizations, and allies within the tourism industry to celebrate their achievements. It's a joyous event that showcases to the world that celebrating cultural differences and building connections that transcend borders are, in fact, not mutually exclusive.

This year, the event took place from March 3–5 in Berlin, celebrating 60 years as a premier travel show. We attended ourselves to take a closer look at this year’s event and the winners of its prestigious awards.

From Then to Now – Setting the Stage for ITB Diversity Gala 2026

ITB Berlin held its very first inaugural event all the way back in 1966 with just nine exhibitors before growing into the world's leading travel trade show.

It wasn’t until the late 1990s, though, that LGBTQ+ tourism started to have a real presence, and it was in 2010 when it finally became an official segment under ITB’s corporate social responsibility commitment. Today, it represents one of the largest LGBTQ+ tourism showcases of any global travel event, featuring exhibitors, educational programming, and networking opportunities for industry professionals and media alike. A key partner in this space is the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), which has long worked alongside ITB Berlin to champion LGBTQ+ tourism and support its global development.

Its crowning event, the ITB Diversity Gala, this year took place within the LGBTQ+ Tourism Pavilion at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin. Sponsored by major partners you have most definitely heard of—from Booking.com to Queer Destinations to Grindr to Turespaña—the gala brought together professionals, policymakers, diplomats, and community leaders for an evening that combined recognition, networking, and celebration, all judged by an international jury, of course.

After a series of networking events and panel discussions (including a rather tasty brunch), the—very diverse—cast of winners was announced.

ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award

Winner: Basquetour (Euskadi)

The ITB LGBTQ+ Tourism Award, introduced in 2024, recognizes destinations and tourism providers that demonstrate a credible, long-term commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion—going beyond marketing to embed equality into strategy, policy, and visitor experience.

In 2026, the award was presented to Basquetour, representing the Basque Country (Euskadi) in northern Spain. The Basque Country itself—known for cities like the bohemian-feeling Bilbao and foodie paradise San Sebastián—has actively promoted itself as a welcoming destination through partnerships, training programs, and international collaboration.

As the official tourism agency of the Basque Government, Basquetour has positioned the region as a leading example of inclusive and sustainable tourism in Europe. Their hard work has paid off in integrating LGBTQ+ inclusion across destination branding, stakeholder engagement, and visitor safety initiatives, ensuring that diversity is not treated as a niche but as a core value in the Basque region of Spain. By embedding equality into its tourism model, Euskadi sets a benchmark for how destinations can authentically support LGBTQ+ travelers while strengthening their global appeal.

ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award 2026

Winner: Russell Lord (Kenes Tours)

The ITB LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the visibility and advancement of LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide. Since its introduction in 2018, it has recognized leaders whose work has helped shape a more inclusive global travel landscape.

In 2026, the award was presented to Russell Lord of Kenes Tours. Based in Israel, Kenes Tours is a well-established destination management company known for organizing international conferences, events, and specialized travel programs. Russell Lord has been widely recognized for his role in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within the travel and events sector, particularly in regions where such visibility can be complex.

By building bridges between global markets and local realities, Lord has contributed to expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ travelers and professionals alike. His recognition at ITB Berlin highlights the importance of individual leadership in driving meaningful, and often challenging, progress.

Gender Equality Champion of the Year (Accommodation)

Winner: Amba Yaalu Kandalama

The Gender Equality Champion of the Year (Accommodation) award recognizes hospitality providers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment within their workforce and operations.

In 2026, the award went to Amba Yaalu Kandalama, a unique hospitality concept in Sri Lanka. Operated as a social enterprise, this hotel has gained international attention for its groundbreaking approach: it is staffed almost entirely by women, with 91 female employees across all departments. Located near the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, the property not only offers a high-quality guest experience but also challenges traditional gender roles within the hospitality industry.

Amba Yaalu Kandalama provides training, career development, and economic independence for women, many of whom come from rural backgrounds. Its model demonstrates how tourism can be a powerful tool for social change on the ground—empowering communities while delivering meaningful and authentic travel experiences.

Gender Equality Champion of the Year (Destinations)

Winner: Nomad Africa

The Gender Equality Champion of the Year (Destinations) award highlights organizations that embed gender equality into their broader tourism strategies, policies, and partnerships.

In 2026, this honor was awarded to Nomad Africa, a travel company operating across multiple African destinations. Nomad Africa has been recognized for its comprehensive and forward-thinking gender policies, which aim to create equal opportunities across all levels of the organization—from leadership to on-the-ground operations.

Their approach includes fair hiring practices, support for women in leadership roles, and initiatives that ensure tourism benefits are more equitably distributed within local communities. In regions where structural inequalities can persist, Nomad Africa’s work represents a significant step toward a more balanced and inclusive tourism economy.

Overall Winner: Diversity and Inclusion

The ITB Diversity Gala is what real democracy looks like: a space where voices from across the globe are not only present but heard, valued, and uplifted. It brings together individuals, organizations, and allies committed to shaping a more inclusive tourism industry—and thus a more inclusive world.

Two steps forward, one step back may be the rhythm of change, but ITB is firmly part of those next two steps forward—turning intention into action, and visibility into lasting impact.

Find out more about the ITB Diversity Gala here.