The romance between India and gay tourists is growing and, cashing in on the interest, many Indian and international gay travel agencies are keenly pursuing the market by organising packages and special deals to cater to this niche segment.

In the same context, the national capital Monday hosted the first Asian symposium on gay and lesbian tourism, attended by travel agents, agencies, hotels and airlines. 

"India is slowly but surely catching up on the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) travel radar as a preferred destination due to its culture, spirituality, awesome destinations and history," Abhinav Goel, founder of OutJourneys.com, a travel agency dedicated to gay travel, said.

According to Goel, the growth potential for gay tourists is so high that it has attracted even established players like Sita, Thomas Cook and Cox & Kings to the emerging travel segment.

"Today there are around 10 travel players which are providing services to the sector including established names and boutique operations," said Goel, who is also one of the organisers of the event.

The symposium is being partnered by the likes of American Airlines, Tourism Thailand, International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), Traveltechie.com and attendees like Taj and Oberoi hotels.

"We have a good representation at the summit. All this is because the companies today want to know how to market a particular product to this new kind of tourists," Goel said.

Goel said the symposium would be attended by 11 international journalists who write on LGBT issues and will travel to Indian tourist locations.

"They will visit Delhi-Jaipur and Udaipur to see for themselves the friendly tourist environment here. It is important for international customers to know what India is offering," Goel said.

Meanwhile, IGLTA, which is a UN-accredited body to look after the travel trade industry of this niche segment, said that with an improving environment in India regarding the gay issue the country will surely attract more LGBT customers.

"With the political climate changing in India it makes it more viable for travel agencies to expand," said IGLTA president John Tanzella.

Currently, three dedicated gay travel boutique agencies and 10 general tour operators, including travel trade majors like Sita Tours and Travels, are also members with IGLTA.