Ahead of the start of Pride month, home-sharing company Airbnb is defining Toronto hosts as one of the most welcoming people in the world for its use of LGBTQ+ inclusive language.
According to its new data, Toronto has ranked number five on Airbnb’s global list of cities with the highest concentration of Airbnb hosts using LGBTQ+ inclusive language in their profiles, trailing only behind New York City in North America.
The vacation rental company says there has been a 90-per cent surge in hosts using inclusive language since 2017, signifying a shift towards a more welcoming and inclusive community.
The report found that 41 per cent of LGBTQ+ respondents who travel identify as Airbnb users, compared to 33 per cent of leisure travellers overall.
“This greater share of LGBTQ+ community members choosing Airbnb suggests that Hosts’ commitment to inclusivity, particularly the increase in Hosts using LGBTQ+ inclusive language in their profiles, is resonating with guests,” the report said.
When it comes to five-star guest reviews from travellers in the LGBTQ+ community, Portland, United States came out on top for being the most hospitable.
Meanwhile, Toronto ranked last out of the list of 20 cities. The only other Canadian city that made the list was Vancouver, British Columbia at number 16.
In 2022, Airbnb hosts collectively earned more than $77 million during their respective Pride celebration weekends by welcoming LGBTQ+ guests from around the world.
