Malta, Host City for EuroPride 2023, Ranked the Most LGBTQ-Friendly Travel Destination
Malta is definitely the place to be in 2023! SPARTACUS Gay Travel Index has released data showing that Malta, along with Canada and Switzerland, are the most LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations to head to in 2023!
The updated Spartacus Gay Travel Index gives an overview of the LGBTQ+ situation in 203 different countries and regions. For the first time, Malta came in on top at first place.
Not only is Malta the host of this year’s EuroPride, but the Mediterranean island state has been a popular LGBTQ destination with travelers recently, and is consistently improving its recognition of gender identity.
According to the European Pride Organisers Association website: “Legislatively (Malta) is far ahead of many other European nations, and the Maltese are welcoming and accepting of LGBTI+ people from far and wide. Malta Pride are organizing a varied and comprehensive EuroPride, which recognizes the strategic importance of Malta in dealing with the current refugee crisis.”
This year’s EuroPride will take place in Valletta, Malta from September 7-17. EuroPride is a 10-day non-stop party with Pride Marches in Valletta, and Gozo, concerts, and theme parties. Pride Week will offer a “hugely inclusive variety of entertainment activities and events, coordinated by ARC – Allied Rainbow Communities, NGOs, individuals, and partner organizations, to make sure all different minorities are represented.”
Malta may have the top spot, but other European nations are also ranking pretty well. Switzerland, who came in second, made the biggest leap this year, from seven to 12 points, thanks in part to legislation providing for same-sex marriage and a progressive self-determination law. Germany improved its overall ranking by one point due to legal improvements for intersex people and now ranks ninth in the index along with Iceland, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Over in North America, Canada came in third place, while the winner in the U.S. is once again California. While the rest of the U.S. remains divided on LGBTQ+ issues, California maintains a fulsome queer infrastructure and offers excellent legal protections for LGBTQ+ people. California scored 11 out of a possible 13 points, and three other states – New York, Washington, and Colorado – also received 11 points this year.
The complete SPARTACUS Gay Travel Index is available for download here. An interactive display can be found here. Two maps allow an easy comparison of the current results with the former ones.
