Gay Nagle Myers
How does Mexico further tap
into the lucrative LGBT market, a sector that accounted for 3 million international
visitors to Mexico in 2014 out of a total of 29.1 million international visitors?
Globally, this type of
tourism is growing at an annual rate of 10.3%, compared with 4.7% overall
growth in tourism, according to data from the World Tourism Organization.
Within Mexico, the top
gay-friendly destinations for LGBT travelers include Cancun, Mexico City and
Puerto Vallarta, followed by Cuernavaca, Oaxaca and Guadalajara, according to
Carlos Joaquin Gonzalez, undersecretary for innovation and tourism development
in the Ministry of Tourism.
Results of a recent study
carried out by the ministry and the Mexican government indicated that the average
spend per LGBT traveler was approximately $1,550 per person, practically double
the $780 average spend.
Metropolitan Cathedral in Guadalajara is a top attraction.
During his recent swearing-in
ceremony as a member of the new board of the National Association of Trade and
LGBT Tourism of Mexico, Joaquin Gonzalez acknowledged that LGBT travelers “have become an important source market that
can bring huge benefits by offering a variety of services, inclusiveness and
respect for this tourism niche. This is an important market for us and needs
further support from us.”
He said that the ministry and
the Mexican government currently are studying the potential of Mexico’s tourism
destinations with respect to the LGBT segment.
A recent workshop on LGBT
tourism drew participation from 15 Mexican states interested in entering the
niche market and in updating their range of tourism products to appeal to this
market.
“The Ministry of Tourism
supported the LGBT fairs held in Guadalajara in 2013 and in Puerto Vallarta in
2014. We’re supporting this next one on Sept. 18 and 19 in Merida,” Joaquin
Gonzalez said.
The ministry also is working
to supply information and training resources for tourism service providers for
the LGBT market in the states of Guerrero, Veracruz and Morelos.