Published on
August 21, 2025
Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Hungary have joined forces with the IGLTA Foundation in a strategic partnership to confront and combat LGBTQ+ discrimination. This collaboration arises from the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in these countries, where legal restrictions and societal biases often hinder full acceptance and equal rights. Through this partnership, the IGLTA Foundation will help facilitate crucial initiatives aimed at fostering safer environments for LGBTQ+ travelers and employees, with a special focus on workplace inclusivity and anti-discrimination measures. By sharing resources, conducting training, and enhancing data accessibility, the collaboration seeks to create more inclusive policies and support systems across these nations, addressing LGBTQ+ discrimination head-on. This initiative represents a vital effort to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can live and travel freely and without fear of discrimination in Eastern Europe.
The MOU underscores a joint commitment to enhancing the visibility, safety, and inclusivity of LGBTQ+ travel through a variety of approaches, such as research, education, and targeted initiatives. A key early project under this partnership is the introduction of a webinar series centered on LGBTQ+ safety in Eastern Europe. This initiative will serve as a vital step in raising awareness and encouraging open discussions about the distinct challenges LGBTQ+ travelers encounter in the region.
As the organizer of the annual European General States of LGBTQ+ Tourism, ELTA has now been formally recognized as a regional partner of the IGLTA Foundation. This collaboration strengthens the relationship between the two organizations, enabling them to share valuable resources, knowledge, and strategies to improve the travel experience for LGBTQ+ individuals. Together, they aim to enhance data accessibility, foster knowledge exchange, and introduce targeted programs that promote safer and more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ travelers across Europe.
Eastern Europe, however, remains a particularly complex region when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. While many countries in Western and Northern Europe have made significant strides in advancing LGBTQ+ equality, Eastern European nations still face significant legal, cultural, and political barriers. In some areas, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination and exclusion, with laws and policies that limit their rights and freedoms. This situation is compounded by a lack of public awareness and education about LGBTQ+ issues, making it more difficult to foster an inclusive environment for everyone.
For example, a report from LGBT Forum Progresa in Montenegro found that more than 80% of LGBTQ+ individuals have faced discrimination in the workplace, although the majority of these incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation. Workplace discrimination is a pervasive issue across the region, with many LGBTQ+ employees fearing that speaking out could jeopardize their careers and safety. In addition to workplace challenges, LGBTQ+ individuals in some Eastern European countries are subject to harsh cultural and societal attitudes, often leading to further isolation and exclusion.
Bulgaria, for instance, has seen recent amendments to its education laws that effectively ban any discussions related to LGBTQ+ topics in schools. These legislative changes mirror similar laws passed in Hungary, which have been widely criticized for undermining LGBTQ+ rights and education. Such actions send a clear message that LGBTQ+ issues are not welcome in the public sphere, creating an environment of intolerance and marginalization.
Despite these setbacks, there are signs of progress in some parts of Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic, for example, has seen a growing number of companies adopt inclusive workplace policies that support same-sex couples and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. While this is a step in the right direction, challenges still remain in terms of the broader societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Moreover, there is a lack of investment in training and organizational partnerships aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. As a result, many LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face barriers to full participation in society, both professionally and personally.
The collaboration between the IGLTA Foundation and ELTA aims to tackle these challenges by increasing access to essential resources and encouraging cooperation among organizations, governments, and businesses. Through the promotion of data collection, training initiatives, and open dialogue, both entities strive to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ travelers in Eastern Europe. Their objective is to narrow the disparity between regions that have made notable progress in LGBTQ+ rights and those still facing significant obstacles.
In conclusion, while Eastern Europe faces numerous obstacles in terms of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, the collaboration between the IGLTA Foundation and ELTA offers a beacon of hope. Together, they are working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ travelers, fostering positive change through research, education, and targeted initiatives. This partnership represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can travel safely, freely, and without fear of discrimination, no matter where they go.
