Australia Rolls Out Rainbow Ready Tourism Scheme for LGBT Travellers
Australia expands Rainbow Ready nationally, helping LGBT travellers identify accredited welcoming hotels, attractions, venues and tourism experiences.
Australia has rolled out Rainbow Ready nationally, giving LGBT travellers a new way to identify tourism businesses that have taken practical steps to provide welcoming and inclusive experiences.
The national expansion was highlighted in September 2026 and builds on a programme originally developed in Tasmania.
What is Rainbow Ready?
Rainbow Ready is more than a business simply describing itself as LGBT-friendly. Participating tourism operators work through awareness training and assessment covering policies, everyday practices, the physical environment, marketing, information provided to guests and staff preparedness.
Businesses successfully completing the programme can display Rainbow Ready accreditation, providing travellers with a visible indication that LGBT inclusion has been considered as part of the visitor experience.
The scheme can apply across Australia’s tourism industry, including accommodation, attractions, venues and events.
Researchers also consulted LGBT travellers and tourism operators while developing the national programme, helping ensure it reflects both visitor experiences and the practical needs of businesses.
From Tasmania to a national programme
Rainbow Ready has its origins in Tasmania, where an accreditation programme was first established in 2013 in consultation with local LGBT community organisations.
Eligible tourism businesses can access the Rainbow Ready programme without an additional programme fee once they meet the relevant Quality Tourism accreditation requirements.
What does it mean for LGBT travellers?
For someone booking an Australian trip, the benefit is straightforward. The Rainbow Ready badge offers another practical indicator to consider when choosing accommodation, attractions and experiences rather than relying solely on a business describing itself as welcoming.
The national rollout also comes as Australia prepares for a major increase in international attention ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Australian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Erin McLeod has highlighted the opportunity for tourism businesses to demonstrate that Australia welcomes LGBT visitors.
Rainbow Ready will ultimately be judged by the experiences travellers have at accredited businesses. Its national expansion nevertheless gives LGBT visitors something tangible to look for and gives Australian tourism operators a defined standard to work towards.
