Despite Economy Market For LGBT Travel Still Grows

n this downtrodden economy, the niche travel market for gay and lesbian vacationers is still growing. NY1’s Valerie D’Elia filed the following report.

In this down economy, at least one market that has seen growth in the beleaguered tourism industry. Travel directed for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender vacationers is proving to be recession-resistant.

“Gay and lesbian travelers have not been pulling back on travel spending, the number of vacations they are taking or the number of days they are spending on vacation the way the general public is,” says Passport Magazine editor Andrew Mersmann.

Data show that a gay couple spends $7,000 on a week’s trip, about $2,000 more than their heterosexual counterparts.

Some particularly welcoming LGBT vacation spots include Iceland, with its nightlife and outdoor adventure options, Curacao in the Southern Caribbean and the sexy South American capitals of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires.

Less-traveled places also also popular for A-list dishing rights.

More at: NY1

What Can You Do to Survive in This Economy?

One of the issues a lot of Americans are dealing with in this economic times is the need to make more money.That is apparent.But in this economic state, the economy just makes matters worse.

What am I talking about?Well a lot of people need some extra money.But in the state the economy is in, a lot of businesses are cutting costs rather than increasing production, so a person is more likely to lose more money instead of make more money.

Well what is a person to do to fight it? One of the best ways to do it is to take advantage of all the network marketing opportunities out there.

Find out what they are at IGLFA (International Gay & Lesbian Football Association)

Study Uncovers Marketing Potential for GLBT Population

Gays and lesbians are much more likely to invest in technology than heterosexuals, according to new research from Mindshare, especially laptops and DVRs. The study, conducted by the media and marketing services agency’s Business Planning unit, also showed that more than two-thirds of the group spend two hours surfing the web during the evening.

The study of 1,452 gay and lesbian respondents between the ages of 18-64 uncovered insights about the media habits, technology ownership and purchasing behaviors of this audience, which represents projected buying power of $835 billion by 2011.

For example, laptop ownership amongst gays and lesbians is more than double that of the straight population, the study revealed. Large discrepancies also exist in DVR ownership figures (56% of the gay/lesbian population vs. 24% of the straight population) and GPS devices (32 vs. 7%).

“The affluent, educated, and growing gay and lesbian community in mainstream America can be a gold mine for marketers,” said Lisa Antonucci, Director, Business Planning, Mindshare. “The internet and television are important mediums among this consumer group and should be the primary ways in which brands communicate with them.”

Read more at RBR.com!

Gay Marriage in Hawaii Would Stimulate Economy

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again – Hawaii is a fantastic place and one of my favorites in the world for its cosmopolitanism, stunning nature, great weather, and a friendly, relaxed, and peaceful atmosphere. But, it could be a lot more fantastic if gay marriage were legal in the state, which currently only offers unions for same-sex couples that provide a subset of the rights and responsibilities of marriage.

Read the rest of this post and much more at one of my personal favs…Gay Persons of Color!

Get Clear on Your 2009 Financial Goals

I started off the year writing about why our New Year’s Resolutions often fail. That doesn’t have to be the case – you CAN do it different this year. When it comes to money, one of the reasons we often fall short of our financial goals is that we are not clear. If you’re not clear on what you want, why you want it, and what steps you are going to take to get there then you are simply hanging out in the wading pool of wishful thinking.

Read the rest at QueerCents!

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