Fort Lauderdale Seeks to Attract New York Newlyweds

The popular gay tourist destination of Fort Lauderdale is stepping up efforts to attract newlyweds from New York with honeymoon packages and advertising appeals.

Reuters reports on the tourism industry's hope to cash in on the large population of New Yorkers that visit the city or have retired in the popular beach and coastal area. Fort Lauderdale tourism officials took out an ad in the Style Section of The New York Times on Sunday, the first day of the marriage equality law in New York, that said, "After Your I Do's Consider Our Proposal."

"The move underscores the importance of gay travelers - and New York tourists - to Fort Lauderdale," reports Reuters. "The city of 165,000 has more than 30 guesthouses that cater to homosexual visitors, and a vibrant gay community centred in Wilton Manors. There is also a large population of retired New Yorkers."

Although Fort Lauderdale is known as a magnet for gay tourists and residents, marriage equality is banned under Florida state law. More than 60% of voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2008 that outlaws same-sex marriages and similar unions, such as civil unions. However, according to Reuters, local tourism officials estimate the city hosted 1 million gay travelers last year.