Abstract
Defining the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) consumers could result in a windfall for the mainstream travel industry, which has been experiencing a period of slowed growth. Mintels consumer research confirms that the LGBT travelers are traveling often and spending more on travel. In 2003, LGBT travelers reported spending 25% more on leisure travel than heterosexual travelers. Ninety-six percent of respondents had taken at least one short leisure trip in the previous year (compared to just 56% of mainstream travelers) and 98% of respondents indicated that a destinations gay-friendly reputation influenced their decision to visit.
In this report, Mintel clearly identifies the principal external factors driving or curtailing growth in the market for LGBT travel. Consumer research reveals the attitudes, needs and behavior of LGBT consumers, with analysis broken down both by demographic characteristics, and by travel type (for example, LGBT travelers prefer travel in the non-peak months of October, September and February, creating opportunity for a reliable off-season business).
Six years of specific sales data provide a factual and impartial presentation of the market as a whole. Mintel also evaluates the performance of individual sectors in the market and provides information about the major companies and brands. Using the SPSS forecasting package, Mintel creates a five-year forecast of U.S. retail sales in the market, revealing potential opportunities for growth and product development.
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