Travel operators are trying to shake the hard times begin to awaken to the enormous potential of tourism gay and lesbians, including new and emerging market for same-sex weddings and honeymoons as more countries allow gay marriage .
But industry experts warn that any company looking at the dollar rose, euros, pounds or yen to the needs of welcoming gays to avoid the clichés associated with the community, if they want to be taken seriously.
"The tourism industry has really opened my eyes and realized that this is a new and emerging markets that need to take advantage," said Clark Massad European representative of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA).
"Several years ago, it was considered a niche market, and now it is really considered as a segment in itself," he told AFP FITUR tourism fair in Madrid, one of the largest in the world.
A demonstration of the IGLTA, which has about 2,200 business representatives in 87 countries, on Wednesday officially became an affiliate member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization FITUR ceremony at the new Pink Corner LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.
"The economic impact of the LGBT traveler came to light last year, and in particular the economic crisis," said Massad.
Like most parents are not, they have more disposable income, and have the additional advantage that they can travel outside peak holiday periods.
Ian Johnson, founder and CEO of Out Now, developing marketing strategies to target gay and lesbian community, said studies by his organization showed that LGBT travelers represent 6.0 percent of all tourism numbers worldwide.
But he warned that it also represents a challenge as hotels and tourist destinations must ensure that employees are well trained to feel comfortable gay.
"If the consumer perceives that this is nothing more than to grab a quick buck rose" and then the cynicism of football soon and include hotels, airlines and tourist destination in the notice that they will not receive returns on their investments. "
Its organization three years ago GayComfort plan developed, which has been assigned some 1,000 locations worldwide.
destination marketing offices of tourism in places like Berlin, Stockholm, Australia, Gold Coast, Helsinki, Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires are among the members of GayComfort program.
"There is no doubt that homosexuals are familiar with all different, all are about to make them feel welcome, as well as all the other guests," said Johnson.
Massad agreed that agents and objects is to study the market carefully.
"That does not mean simply hanging a rainbow flag outside your company ... The last thing you want is to fall into a situation of images just because the market LGBT see through immediately."
He stressed that "the LGBT market is a highly diversified, with travelers seeking all the nightlife ranges cultural activities.
"Everybody wants to record some destinations gay, but I think it's a very dangerous thing because any city that is a major tourist destination now have the ability to attract gay travelers."
Johnson said the marketing efforts typically begin with private companies and small operators.
Then, "the State authorities to take note, and usually the money the tourist office tends to follow the success of one or two pioneering private tour operators in opening these markets."
He mentioned India, Nepal, Vietnam and Thailand among the possible new destinations.
Some operators also offer broadening the scope to include weddings and honeymoons.
Johnson said Out Now has worked with the Vienna Tourist Board to help develop gay honeymoons. "
The value is enormous and we can only tell you that will grow, "even if it is still" a clear lack of awareness "of the potential between the players," he said.
The growing number of gay parents, a problem highlighted recently by pop superstar Elton John and his partner, is attracting interest from a gay family vacation.
actress and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell and her partner several years ago launched R Family Vacations is for families with same-sex parents.
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai agreed that the LGBT travel is now gaining momentum.
"We've seen some recent messages from countries that previously might not have been able or willing to have out clearly and say," we encourage gay tourists, he told AFP.
"I think it's a trend that is most likely to continue because it is connected to global trends that go in that direction."