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Gay & lesbian online travel

November 26, 2007 | Online Travel

Data indicate that the Gay, Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender market market has a greater amount of disposable income and discretionary time on their hands than the straight population, so they can afford and enjoy travel more often.

The Gay, Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) market, particularly gay males, has been an attractive segment for the travel industry for some time.

Data indicate that the GLBT market has a greater amount of disposable income and discretionary time on their hands than the straight population, so they can afford and enjoy travel more often.

The Travel Institute estimates the US travel market at $1.3 trillion.

Working on the assumption that the GLBT community makes up 5% to 7% of the population (6.8% as measured by Witeck-Combs), this translates to GLBT travel spending of $65 billion at the low end and $91 billion at the high. The US Travel Industry Association (TIA) actually pegs GLBT travel at 10% of travel industry spending.

eMarketer estimates US online leisure and unmanaged business travel sales in 2006 at $78.8 billion. Of this number, eMarketer estimates that GLBTs make up 8% of online travel sales, or $6.3 billion in 2006.

Get the full story at eMarketer

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