What Happens in Las Vegas, Stays in Vegas

Las Vegas Named Premier Leisure & Business Destination for LGBT Travelers

with special thanks to Mya Lake Reyes, Director of Diversity Markeing

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

According to a recent Community Marketing, Inc, (CMI) research study, Las Vegas ranks as the #1 most-visited US destinations in 2997 among the majority of lesbian travelers and #2 among GenX and Boomer gay men.

The findings were released in CMI's 12th annual Gay and Lesbian Tourism Study and were compiled from responses of over 7,500 self-identified gay and lesbian consumers who read LGBT publications, visit LGBT websites and attend LGBT events.

"Over the past few years, Las Vegas has risen as a leader in the GLBT tourism market place, led by the pioneering initiatives of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority", says Tom Roth, CMI's president. "Building their strategies and communications on a foundation of market intelligence, they have identified key market segments and are leveraging their popularity strength." Community Marketing Inc. also produces "Gay Days and Nights" in Las Vegas, which focuses on specially tailored activities for the gay and lesbian leisure traveler.

For he past three years, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has conducted outreach to the GLBT traveler. In addition to supporting the local gay community, the LVCVA has advertised in gay media, become corporate members of national LGBT organizations and created collateral specifically designed to "speak" to the LGBT traveler. These efforts have paid off because of the perception of Las Vegas as Gay welcoming destination is very strong.

Mya Lake Reyes, Director of Diversity Marketing for the LCVA is deserving of much of the praise for the accomplishment of the goals of LVCVA in becoming the top destinations for GLBT travelers. Her efforts were rewarded when the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) recently celebrated its Silver Anniversary convention at the venerable Flamingo Hotel on the famed Las Vegas Strip. I had the pleasure of attending this fabulous event, which proved to be IGLTA's (http://www.iglta.org/) most well attended convention in its 25 year history.

Hundreds of delegates representing 25 countries attended the event and provided a mix of travel agents, meeting planners, tour operators and media employed in the LGBT-friendly travel industry professionals. Having served as a three-Term president of the original International Gay Travel Association (IGTA), it was a distinct pleasure to reunite with my many friends who were true pioneers in the LGBT travel industry back in the gay '80s and 90s when LGBT travel agencies were first emerging as a viable force in the travel industry. I had the honor to meet John Tanzello, Executive Director of IGLTA and his terrific staff who along with Maya Lake Reyes produced this "over the top" event which will long be remembered by those who attended.

The conference kicked off at the world renowned Ritz Carlton at the beautiful Lake Lass Vegas where attendees were welcomed in the Ritz Florentine Gardens and a welcome Reception on the Ponte Vecchio. Attendees were greeted by the Las Vegas Rainbow Showgirls who who "pinned" everyone with a blinky lapel light that glowed throughout the evening. The fun continued throughout the week at venues on the Las Vegas Strip and in Downtown Las Vegas.

In addition to valuable networking opportunities, the conference offered industry-leading speakers, educational workshops covering a wide variety of travel related topics, receptions and excursions throughout Las Vegas. As the convention was held concurrently with Las Vegas Pride Week, IGLTA members marched in the parade and attended the festival.

I was particularly impressed with the caring and sensitivity of every employee I encountered at the Flamingo Hotel and other properties throughout this great City. Most important it is a place where same sex couples can walk arm in arm free of pre-judgement and prejudice by anyone -- tourists and locals in particular..

Las Vegas has earned its reputation as a city extending welcome arms to the GLBT traveler. I can't wait until my next visit which will be very, very soon. I have selected it as the destination where I will honeymoon with my partner of 13 years when we are married this Fall.

Contact the LVCVA for gay guides and promotional material for the GLBT traveler. Visit their terrific web site at http://www.lvcva.com/. Or contact your local travel agency for personalized, all-inclusive service.

And remember, whatever happens in Las Vegas, stays in Vegas.