ITB
ITB BERLIN NEWS • Friday 8 th March 2013 www.itb-berlin-news.com
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL SPECIAL FEATURE 37 Do you still feel there is more communication/PR work to be done? Yes, there is always more work to be done. There are still some travel professionals who think they can just hang the rainbow flag in front of their business and that the gay traveller will come. IGLTA has a presence at more than 60 trade shows, industry events and tourism workshops annually. IGLTA President/ CEO John Tanzella recently participated in a roundtable talk hosted by the US Department of State in Washington, DC, to discuss how to better inform How important is Lesbian and Gay tourism? Exhibitors at the ‘Pink Corner’ answer during ITB 2013 LGBT U.S. citizens on the practical issues of international travel. The IGLTA Foundation recently held its first Global Symposium on LGBT Travel, uniting more than 80 key players from tourism businesses, media and government in New York. What does the LGBT market generate in terms of travellers and revenues? The “Global Report on LGBT Tourism” co-authored by the UNWTO and IGLTA last year stated that global tourism revenues in 2010 totalled US trillion. Estimates show that the LGBT portion is between 7% and Lufthansa (Main sponsor of a cocktail party on March 6) Aage Dünhaupt, Director Group Communication South and East Europe, Middle East and Africa: “We do not have a specific marketing campaign towards LGBT travellers. However, our regional marketing directors have total freedom to advertise towards this niche market according to their own assessment. They have been for example campaigns in the USA as well as here in Berlin.” 10% of total tourism spending. That translates into anywhere from US billion to US0 billion. LGBT travellers are early adopters, opinion leaders, tend to travel more frequently than straight people, tend to devote a higher portion of their disposable income toward leisure travel, and are more likely to be attracted to new, emerging destinations. Hall 2.1 Stand 104 Pink Vibgyor, Rajat, Managing Director, New Delhi. “India awakes slowly to the reality of niche tourism and the LGBT market is one it, and a strong spending market. They are only three tour operators targeting the gay market in India. But I have been coming to Berlin for the second year and I must say that we get more and more interest from European travellers. They want a traditional cultural and sightseeing tours of India but they also want recognition. Which translates into sleeping in a gay-friendly hotel or having a gay tour guide. An India For Everyone The people at Indjapink know that age has no bearing on ability which is why they offer a variety of options for Senior LGBT travelers. A team of tour advisors has been trained to help clients achieve the perfect “pink India holiday”. The company’s LGBT senior travel tours offer some of the most unique and interesting programs for singles and gay couples in order to give them a whole new perspective on India and be able to travel without the fear of discrimination. Indjapink’s tours focus on encouraging Senior LGBT travellers to enjoy life to the fullest, regardless of age, while testing their physical limits in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. Indjapink also provides accessible travel, tours, safaris, adventures and holidays for LGBT travelers with certain disabilities, that are tailormade to suit individual options and needs. The company’s disabled tours and safaris range from scheduled departure itineraries to private and tailor-made journeys to a huge range of destinations. Whether the visitor uses a cane, crutches, has a limp or uses a wheelchair, Indjapink will reveal the beauty of India through a range of destinations never before thought possible. Whatever the disability, it should not influence a disabled person’s dream holiday. ITB BERLIN NEWS • Friday 8 th March 2013
