Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Conclusion
There has been a long history of gay and lesbian persons travelling in order
to escape restrictive environments, to meet similar others and confirm their
identity. The tourism industry (at least in North America and Western
Europe) has increasingly recognised that there is a growing and profitable
market with respect to gay and lesbian persons without children, though
much of the product offer is based on sun and sea. While a number of relatively
small specialist operators have appeared (and disappeared) targeting the gay
men's market in particular, it is significant that Thomson Holidays (part
of the TUI group), a large 'mainstream' operator, now has a portfolio of
holidays, labelled 'Freedom', designed for gay and lesbian holidaymakers.
There are, too, a large number of destinations - cities such as San Francisco
and Philadelphia (USA), Manchester and Brighton (UK), Sydney (Australia)
and Cape Town (South Africa) as well as countries such as Switzerland and
individual hotels and airlines (such as American Airlines and SAS) that have
targeted the gay and lesbian market.
The emphasis in such holiday development and promotion has been
gay-friendliness of carrier, accommodation and destination. It has meant
an acknowledgement of the desire of the gay and lesbian traveller for 'gay
space', which includes nightlife - bars and clubs frequented primarily by gay
and lesbian persons.
Gay or lesbian families with children have not, with the odd exception,
been recognised by the industry. Whatever the reasons the industry may
have for not engaging with this market, it may also simply be a lack of
awareness of the market and of its particular requirements - an environ-
ment that is supportive and which does not expose families to negative
experiences. While understanding and acceptance will be key factors in
any holiday choice, it will not necessarily be the same product that singles
or couples desire. There may indeed be antagonism on the part of other
gay and lesbian persons towards the gay and lesbian family with children.
For such families, gay space in terms of nightlife is unlikely to be such an
important factor.
Holidays for gay and lesbian persons have been characterised as yielding
benefits of escape, rest and relaxation, as well as opportunities for relation-
ship development and for having identity confirmed by being with similar
others; the last latter issue takes on a more significant aspect in holiday
decisions for families with children. The holiday experience has positive
influences on gay and lesbian persons, influences beyond those associated
with the rest of the population. Progress in 'safe' and appropriate opportuni-
ties for gay or lesbian families with children to holiday is likely to contribute
further positive effects on family dynamics and on children's development.
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