Gay and lesbian
travel spending reaches $76.5 billion

Gay and lesbian Americans now spend $76.5 billion yearly to get away from it all, according to a new report.

This is an all-time high for the GLBT travel market, according to research corporation Mintel International, which commissioned the report. The study found many differences between gay and straight vacationers: 80% of gay Americans have updated passports, while only 20% of their straight counterparts do. GLBT travelers also tend to vacation in the fall, while heterosexuals prefer to travel in the summer since many have children.

"The GLBT community has a greater willingness to spend their dollars on travel than most mainstream consumers," said Chris Haack, an analyst for Mintel International. "There is a cultural affinity that tends to insulate it from the shocks that affect the general traveler. Whether communicating with GLBT singles, couples, or families, industry players simply need to be aware of each group's specific needs."

The report pointed out that travel companies such as Orbitz and Travelocity market directly to GLBT consumers. (The Advocate)