The Island of Folegandros in Greece is emerging as a gay-friendly destination
Perhaps what surprised us the most on the first day of Fitur 2012 was the presence of Ryan Choi, Ambassador of IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) in South Korea . The path of normalization of the LGBT movement in this country is slow but effective; for now, the Korean offer is part of gay-friendly tourism (around events like the Annual Korea Queer Cultural Festival or the LGBT Film Festival) and the promotion of Itaewon and Jong-ro neighborhoods of Seoul , multicultural epicenters, shopping and an inexhaustible nightlife.
Although the heyday of nightlife and festivals is South Korea's main call to action as an LGBT destination, associations such as Chingusai, seeks a greater opening of the rest of its attractions (places considered World Heritage Sites by UNESCO such as Jeju volcanic island , for instance) . Be that as it may, the simple presence of a representative from this country promoting South Korea as a gay-friendly destination is a clear indication of the importance of this type of tourism.
And so important. **Juan Pedro Tudela, Co-founder and General Director of Diversity Consulting ** and in charge of moderating a presentation on the new leading LGBT destinations stated that “this type of tourism is a safe and grateful option; It accounts for 10% of world tourism and contributes 15% of spending 365 days a year. Segmenting LGBT tourism is not creating ghettos, it is a necessity ”.
Jeju volcanic island in South Korea
And before this we ask ourselves, what does this tourism need from destinations? Ian Johnson, Founder of Out Now Consulting, answers in four progressive steps: “acceptance, inclusion, respect and imagination”. The tourist actors must get out of the norm, look for another way, offer something different, not get stuck in stereotypes or go to the opposite extreme, to the bizarre. And this balance is not impossible.
Niko S. Morantis, Executive Director of Destsetters, a company that works as an intermediary between tourism professionals and LGBT final consumers, offers us a sip of mastiha while presenting us with appetizing photographs of Greek destinations that make up the “Greek alternative proposal, beyond Mykonos or Santorini” , well-known epicenter of the LGBT movement. Destsetters looking for educate and educate about the needs of the businessman and the tourist a to ensure that destinations not only stand out for their respect, but also for a “welcome mentality”. Strong bets are Halkidiki, Andros, Halki Diki, Paros ... Greek paradises of beach, relaxation and comfort that offer services of the highest level.
Argentina also arrived strongly at Fitur 2012 LGBT. Pablo de Lula and Gustavo Noguera (President and Vice President of CCGLAR, the Argentine Gay-Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) emphasized the need to training of the destinations in which Latin America is working (Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico) ; not only is it enough to have a good destination, "you have to know how to transmit an experience taking into account that the gay market is not one, it is segmented. The gay family is a reality.”