Travel is universal – but for the LGBTQ+traveller it can be a little more complicated. Travel is a way to learn about different cultures and exchange new perspectives, but visiting a new country includes possible unknowns, such as threats of violence or discomfort that rob that opportunity from millions of potential travellers when they should be enriching experiences for all.
South Africa has one of the largest tourism industries in Africa. In recent years, the LGBTQ+travel market has become one of the fastest-growing sectors.
The rainbow nation seems to be amongst those more accepting of diversity in comparison to other parts of the world. According to new international trends South Africa has been named one of the best countries for LGBTQ+travel. South Africa ranked 11th with an LGBTQ+ travel index score of 86.2, with 100 points being the highest score.
To determine the most gay-friendly travel destinations, MyDatingAdviser compared 34 countries across eight key indicators of LGBTQ+-friendliness. It looked at categories like social acceptance towards homosexuality, sexual activity rights, civil union rights, marriage rights, adoption rights, military service rights, anti-discrimination laws and gender-identity laws.
Sweden claimed the top spot (98.2), followed by the Netherlands(97.6) and Spain (89) on the podium. Other destinations featured on the list included France, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Israel, the US and Mexico.
Representing South Africa boldly is Steenberg Farm, which has recently become the first winery in SA to join the IGLTA, something we can all cheers our rainbow glazed wineglasses to.

The IGLTA is the world’s leading gay platform founded in 1983, providing information and connecting tourism businesses, operators, and agents with welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in over 80 countries.
“If you are a luxury establishment and want to stay a step ahead of the game, it should be an absolute priority to join a respected institution like this in order to promote your business as inclusive,” says Neilen Tolmay, marketing manager at Steenberg Farm, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

“At Steenberg, we pride ourselves on our personalised experiences and are ready for all discerning markets. In the coming months, we look forward to welcoming our LGBTQ+ community into the Steenberg family,” he adds.

You can find Steenberg Farm on Steenberg Road,
Constantia Valley, just 20 minutes outside of Cape Town. Beyond bespoke wine experiences, you can expect to be mesmerised by their 5-star hotel, rolling lawns, decadent meals and the added glaze of history merged with preserved elegance.

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WC allocates millions to LGBTQIA+ power, celebrate at Steenberg Farm!
Picture: Supplied