The San Francisco area has long been popular with gays but for the first time it is starting a serious effort to capture more of that market, according to tourism officials.
The Tourism Advisory Program is a collaborative effort of the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau and various gay community groups.
The GGBA has come out with a slogan, ”Come out here,” and a brochure that highlights the city’s historical significance for gay rights as well as its tourist attractions.
San Francisco is joining other US cities such as Philadelphia and Miami that have recently broadened their gay marketing efforts.
Philadelphia’s slogan was: “Get your history straight and your nightlife gay.”
Nationwide, gays represent a $54.1 billion travel market, according to various sources. They also represent 10% of the US travel industry. Many have higher-than-average incomes, and they are dedicated travelers.
Report by David Wilkening
