A United Nations report has dealt with the subject of gay travel for the first time. The UN tourism organisation UNTWO published its “Global Report on LGBT Tourism” in January of this year, which was also presented at the International Tourism Fair (ITB) in Berlin. The 44-page report on the economic importance of the gay and lesbian travel market was assembled in cooperation with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association IGLTA and sponsors such as American Airlines and tourism offices of Spain, Brazil and South Africa. The report makes it clear that neither socio-economic status nor travel decisions can be determined solely on the basis of sexuality. Although the economic power of this market is very difficult to measure, sources in the USA assume that about five percent of the turnover of the tourism industry is attributable to the LGBT segment.

Dedicated advertising for gays and lesbians, as in South Africa, Argentina, Spain and Mexico, has led to an increase in LGBT tourism. It also appears that this market is less affected by recession and that gays and lesbians are spending more money than average on holidays. The report consists of various articles and case studies.

An overview of the current development of the tourism market is followed by chapters dedicated to the economic effect o LGBT tourism, the issue of gay rights, the importance of gay and lesbian tourism for society and the development of this segment in future. The destinations and business models presented in the report are Brazil, Madrid, New York, Montreal and Argentina, as well as South Korean tour operator Kimchi Travel and lesbian travel agency Sweet. The report concludes that there is a clear connection between designated LGBT marketing and economic results. Destinations profit from their image as LGBT-friendly as being generally tolerant to all types of tourists.

Global Report on LGBT Tourism
AM Reports Volume 3
http://unwto.org/en/publications

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