The taste of diversity: Spanish LGBTIQ+ travellers and the role of gastronomy tourism.

This article examines the profiles of LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, cross-dresser, intersex, queer) tourists across various tourism types, with a particular focus on gastronomic tourism. Based on a survey of 590 Spanish LGBTIQ+ travellers, the study finds no distinct, homogeneous profile for gastronomic LGBTIQ+ tourists compared to those engaging in other tourism forms; however, age and gender identity significantly differentiate these groups, with gastronomic tourists tending to be older and predominantly cisgender. The research highlights that both segments share similar travel behaviors and expenditure patterns, while also emphasizing the importance of inclusive marketing and destination strategies that reflect the diversity within LGBTIQ+ communities. The findings underscore the need for tourism stakeholders to foster inclusivity and accessibility in gastronomic tourism to better serve this diverse and growing market segment.