TRAVEL INDUSTRY ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR GAY TRAVELLERS THIS SUMMER

As gay friendly destinations continue to emerge around the world, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) travellers are quickly becoming known as the largest group of international globetrotters. Community Marketing Inc.’s 10th Annual LGBT Travel Survey revealed that 66% of Canadian respondents took at least two long vacations of five nights or more in the last year and 78% of Canadian respondents took two or more short vacations of four nights or less – to destinations within Canada, the United States, and increasingly, to destinations around the globe.

Increasingly, hotel properties in many domestic and international destinations cater to gay travellers and Travelocity.ca has scoured the beaches, seas and nightclubs to uncover its top picks for LGBT travel this summer.

Whether travelling home or abroad, Travelocity.ca editors recommend these gay-friendly destinations:

Editor’s Picks for Sun Worshippers and Beach Bums

· Honolulu, Hawaii: Known for its beautiful beaches, Hawaii has long been a vacation paradise and has begun attracting more gay visitors. Visit Diamond Head Lighthouse Beach and Queens Beach, both hot spots for gay travellers.

· Puerto Rico: Said to be one of the gayest Caribbean islands, Puerto Rico boasts a number of LGBT friendly hotels and beaches, a happening gay scene (Check out the Condado district in downtown San Juan) and the Caribbean’s only gay bathhouse.

Editor’s Picks for Foodies Looking to Indulge

· New Orleans, Louisiana: Notorious for its French Quarter nightspots, spicy Cajun cuisine and anything goes attitude, the Big Easy is also infused with gay culture. Visit the many art galleries in the Warehouse District, where Arthur Roger has displayed pieces by Deborah Kass, lesbian pop-art icon, and gay painter David Hockney.

· Montreal, Canada: One of the largest and safest gay communities for travellers, Montreal’s downtown Gay Village (a.k.a. Le Village) continues to flourish with the help of city officials. Visit a trendy night spot or indulge in gourmet cuisine at one of the many cafes.

Tips for Gay-Friendly Travel

• Unless both travellers have the same last name, include each name on the reservation.
• Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade warns that many countries do not recognize same-sex marriage and. that attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple can result in refusal by local officials. So do your research.
• Use a gay-friendly travel agency when booking your trips.
• Book TAG Approved^® accommodations. TAG stands for the Travel Alternatives Group, an organization whose mission it is to rate the world's gay-friendliest hotels, resorts, and inns.

To book a gay-friendly vacation package, visit Travelocity.ca’s sister site at www.travelocity.com/gaytravel, or for more information on travel options and ideas, go to http://windowseat.travelocity.com to read a TWS exclusive with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.