The tourist destination of Gran Canaria has joined the Spanish Network of Destinations for Diversity at the international tourism fair Fitur 2025. The REDD is an ecosystem that connects destinations, public institutions, companies and tourists in Spain to promote inclusive and diverse tourism.
As a pioneering initiative in LGTBI+ tourism, REDD promotes innovative practices that position its destinations as benchmarks in the sector. Its approach is based on creating strategic alliances, offering specialized training and managing an interactive digital platform. In this way, REDD contributes to developing more open, safe and competitive destinations, where diversity becomes a source of cultural wealth and shared progress.
The Gran Canaria Tourism Councillor highlighted the history and the link of the island destination with the LGTBI client, being one of the first in Europe to establish itself as a gay-friendly space in every sense. We are united by a bond of respect and cordiality that comes from the welcoming spirit of Gran Canaria society and its tourist destination, which is why we are delighted to be part of REDD and to be distinguished as the best destination for the LGTBI client of Fitur, a distinction that we received in the 2024 edition.
“A destination for diversity is a tourist destination that actively promotes inclusion, respect and celebration of the LGTBI+ community. These destinations are characterised by offering a safe, welcoming, discrimination-free environment for all people and often have specific infrastructure, services and events for the LGTBI+ community. And of course Gran Canaria proudly defends these social and tourist attributes, we have a specific offer and a first-class accommodation facility. With this we want to continue being the preferred destination for this community in Europe.”
REDD aims to achieve three objectives: create a network of collaboration and best practices; promote inclusive and sustainable tourism; and facilitate a space for connecting visitors, businesses and participating destinations through a digital platform.
In this way, the tourist destination Gran Canaria has received a distinctive identification plaque, as well as the style manual that can be applied to its different media (official website, information point, campaigns, etc.) identifying itself as one of the Spanish destinations committed to diversity.
“We, the people of Gran Canaria, celebrate diversity and respect as a basic rule of coexistence. Gran Canaria is a world-leading destination for gay tourism. It is so because of its proximity, our climate, our extensive specialized offer, our beaches, among many other things. And it is so, above all, because of the open and welcoming nature of our people, with decades of a common history, as exemplified by the massive following of the 'Draq Queen' gala at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival, a benchmark for this group. The most important thing is that we are a destination with a specific and historical offer for the LGBTi+ client with many years of development, as they are a client that we especially value. We were one of the first destinations in the world to celebrate and welcome diversity from the respect and affection of the Gran Canaria idiosyncrasy”, concluded the Minister of Tourism of Gran Canaria.
