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After Orlando, LGBT Travelers Remain Undeterred, Group Says

Despite the recent terror attack in Orlando, the head of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association notes that LGBT consumers are unlikely to avoid travel—it just isn't their style.

Despite the recent terror attack in Orlando, the head of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association notes that LGBT consumers are unlikely to avoid travel—it just isn’t their style.

This month’s terror attack at a gay nightclub in Orlando clearly raised significant questions for the LGBT community, including about safe places to travel.

But John Tanzella, president and CEO of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, says that while the community has been “shaken up,” it is likely to show its strength by continuing to travel—including to Orlando.

“From the LGBT perspective, it will not deter us from going to Orlando,” Tanzella told CBS MoneyWatch earlier this month. “If anything, it will likely drive more travel to Orlando, as it’s typical in our community to want to show support.”

In comments to The New York Times, Tanzella noted that crowds at Pride events and at vigils in honor of those killed remained strong.

“I don’t foresee this situation impacting travel in the LGBT community negatively,” he told Travel Weekly. “If anything, I think the community would more proactively show that we’re not going to be fearful to travel.”

The LGBT market’s consumer tourism spending tops $200 billion each year, according to the research firm Out Now Global.

 

People pay tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting during the annual Pride London Parade. (Neil Hall/Reuters)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

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