Gay tourism is a niche tourism specially marketed for LGBT community. Many companies and tourist destinations have become aware of the substantial money spent by these tourists and are trying new marketing strategy to attract gay tourists. Many destinations are popular among the gay tourists because of the liberal views of the people towards gays there, as well as good facilities like bars, nightlife, entertainment, restaurants, businesses, etc. Many people also look for the opportunity to socialize with other gays there. Many destinations engaged in gay tourism campaigns are known to be more amenable to gay visitors. They go all out to make the stay of gay visitors comfortable, so that they have the best time ever at these destinations. Some of the gay friendly tourist destinations are given below:
1. San Francisco
This Californian city is known for rainbow flags adorning the apartments and bars in many neighborhoods. Almost every bar in Castro district caters to the needs of gay tribe. Parties for LGBT communities are thrown at various bars and clubs regularly. One of the most open and vibrant city has gay life integrated to aspect of city. Gay pride week held on the last Sunday of June every year attracts a lot of interest, when 500,000 people hit the streets, following from Queer film Festival.
2. Sydney
Host of Gay Games of 2002, Sydney is the gay capital of Australia. The gay and lesbians form a vital and colorful part of the social fabric. Oxford Street in the Eastern suburb is lined with a number of clubs, pubs and restaurant, and is the centre of gay social life. Other destinations include Bondi Beach to play volleyball, Harbor Bridge with panoramic view, and The Rocks known for colonial history. Visitors throng the city from all over the world for annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade in February-March.
3. Rio de Janeiro
The gay capital of South America, Rio de Janeiro is naturally LGBT friendly. It is a city without prejudice. Last year, 20% of tourists arriving in Rio which number 880,000, were gay. Though the gay scene is less visible here as compared to some other cities, but the people as well as government here is very liberal. It has the world’s best gay beaches. During the annual Carnival in February or March, thousands of expatriate gays fly in to take part in the fun. The government is taking many LGBT friendly initiatives in Rio. The government has started vocational training course for transvestites, and has outlawed the discrimination in the nightclubs.
4. New York City
The Chelsea and Greenwich Village are long considered to be the hub of gay people in New York City. It has a lively LGBT community. Known as the city that never sleeps, it has tremendous options for tourists. The gay culture has spread throughout New York, and apart from Hell’s Kitchen and the Village, you can go to Brooklyn or Queens, or many other places. New York State has a number of options for people of different tastes- be it outdoor adventure, or wine connoisseurs, it has something to offer to everyone. There is a Gay Pride parade in June that attracts a large number of tourists.
5. Berlin
Berlin is a friendliest place for gays. It boasts of a Gay museum in Schwules Museum, which has an archive and library with resources on gay history. Schoneberg district has a large number of gay hotels, bar, restaurants, and shops. CSD Pride Parade held here is very memorable and wild. Among its many Gay friendly neighbourhoods are Nollendorfplatz, to the west of the city, and Kreuzberg to the south-east. The gay bars, pubs, etc. have no closing time as the city has no closing hour. Its public transport system too operates the whole night.
6. Amsterdam
For a relatively small city, Amsterdam is home to a large number of gays. There a large number of gay pubs, hotels and parties. The Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel and Kerkstraat districts are the centre of gay activities. Near the Anne Frank house stands the Homomonument, a gay monument made of three large granite triangles of pink color. It is a symbol of Holland’s commitment towards inclusiveness for all.
7. London
London is a home to Europe’s largest gay and lesbian population. Old Compton Street was the hangout of gay luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, Quentin Crisp and famous film director Derek Jarman. There are a number of gay friendly restaurants, patisseries, specialty businesses, pubs, and sex shops. Earl’s Court, Shoreditch and Hoxton, and Vauxhall, are trendy gay areas. The Annual London Pride LGBT Cultural Festival takes place in mid June to early July.
8. Barcelona
Barcelona has a reputation of vibrant and integrated gay scene. Eixample, nicknamed gayxample, has many gay bars, hostels and clubs, and is the heart of the gay scene. Sitges on the south of the town is also a very popular beach resort.
There are quite a few places such as Platja de la Bossa Rodona, where nudism is permitted. Gay carnival is held in mid February, at Sitges, which is very colourful and flamboyant.
9. Mexico
Mexico has liberal views towards homosexuality. Puerto Vallarta in Mexico is the favorite spot and has a vibrant gay scene that will stupefy any visitor. There is a wide variety of options for tourists, apart from the beaches. You can visit Mayan Ruins, thick rainforests, or volcano dotted plateaus. There are a number of gay bars and hotels for LGBT travelers.
10. Bangkok
Thai culture accepts homosexuality, and sexual preference is regarded as a personal choice. LGBT community is accepted in Thailand, and therefore it has become a prime destination for gay tourism. Bangkok is often considered as the gay capital of Asia. Night life here is fun with a number of gay friendly hotels, pubs, bars, and ladyboy cabarets. Bangkok gay Pride takes place in October or early November.
