Pioneers and leaders in the fields of tourism and hospitality head up the agenda of educational programming at the Symposium. With candid discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the industry around the emergence of gay and lesbian tourism to India and throughout Asia, these leaders will help attendees understand what must be done to attract and serve this highly-sought travelling niche market.

Estimates indicate that the “gay tourism” market is a US $70 billion segment, in the USA alone. Add to that the potential of attracting these high-yield visitors from Canada, Europe, Australia, and other key origin markets, and India could enjoy enormous new revenues. “But these travelers need to be genuinely welcomed, and their preferences and sensitivities must be addressed while travelling,” said Thomas Roth, President of Community Marketing in San Francisco.

“Although some might say that gay and lesbian travel is ‘controversial,’ there is nothing controversial about the bottom line: Increased sales,” Said Abhinav Goel, Founder of Out Journeys, established in New Delhi to serve inbound gay visitors. “Gays and lesbians are well-travelled and love to be the first to visit emerging destinations. Then they enthusiastically tell friends about their good experiences. They enjoy arts, music, dance, cuisine and shopping, and are respectful of other cultures. They tend to have higher incomes and no children, are able to travel any time of year, and are thus what the Wall Street Journal dubbed in 1992: ‘The Dream Market,’ said Goel.

Cities and countries around the world are dedicating serious resources to attracting gay and lesbian visitors, including Japan, Australia, Canada, Argentina, Sweden and Spain. Over 20 cities across America are involved as well, including New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Highlights of the Symposium Include

Keynote Luncheon, sponsored by Tourism Thailand:

• Prince Manavendra Singh Gohil, Chairperson Lakshya Trust, Gujarat
• The Honourable Ashok Row Kavi, Founder of Bombay Dost, Founder Humsafar Trust, MINGLE Advisory Board Member

Pan-Industry Panel of Experts:
These pioneers in tourism and hospitality will discuss how they view “gay and lesbian travel” as well as its potential for India and across Asia.

• Arjun Sharma (Owner, La Passage to India, and Senior Vice President, Indian Association of Tour Operators)
• Tejbir Anand (Managing Director, Holiday Moods Adventures Private Limited, and President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India)
• Himmat Anand (Founder, Tree of Life Resort and Spa, Jaipur)
• Abhinav Goel (Founder, Out Journeys, and India Ambassador, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association-IGLTA)

Gay Tourism Research:
Thomas Roth, Founder and President of Community Marketing, Inc. will present the latest in gay tourism research and “best practices” so that attendees can reach and serve gay and lesbian visitors.

Marketing and Communications:
Matt Skallerud, Founder and President of Pink Banana Media, will provide an orientation to “Gay Social Media” and how attendees can cost-effectively reach gay and lesbian travelers.

Networking Reception:
The Symposium will conclude with a networking reception, hosted by IGLTA, the global trade association of travel professionals serving gay and lesbian visitors.