Mykonos, Greece, Considered Gay-Friendly Spot For Travel
The expenditure per capita of gay tourists is 57 percent higher than those of straight travelers, while the overall development of gay tourism is on the up, according to data released at the ITB Berlin international tourism exhibition.
This year ITB Berlin once again hosted a wide-ranging program featuring numerous events on the topic of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travel (LGBT).
According to data, the share of the global LGBT tourism market exceeds 10 percent or 75 million tourists.
LGBT tourists spend more money on vacations
Speaking recently to Deutsche Welle, the president and CEO of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), John Tanzella, explained why LGBT tourists are so popular in the travel industry. “Usually, because most gay people do not have children, they spend more money when they travel and they go on holiday much more often,” Mr. Tanzella said.
IGLTA’s president underlined that a gay-friendly country does not necessarily mean that a country, for example, has adopted the gay marriage concept, but that it is a destination in which gays are welcome to holiday.
“The majority of gay travelers, consider areas where they may hold hands with their partner in public and without a problem as friendly destinations,” Mr. Tanzella said.
Gay tourists opt for Mykonos, Greece
The Greek island of Mykonos is considered to be a particularly gay-friendly tourism destination, according to Russell Lord of Tel Aviv-based Kenes Tours.
Speaking to the press recently, Mr. Lord said that particularly gay-friendly destinations include the Greek islands, the United States, Australia and Spain.