SAN FRANCISCO -- AAA Travel of Northern California here began
offering gay and lesbian tour and cruise packages from two
California-based operators, Olivia Cruises and Resorts of Oakland
and Atlantis Events in West Hollywood.
The vacations -- bundled in a new brochure titled Traveling Out
in the World -- are the first specifically gay and lesbian product
to be marketed by any AAA chapter nationwide, said Derek Price,
planner for diversified markets.
Highlights among the 27 North American and European offerings
include Olivia's first gay and lesbian family week at Club Med's
Sandpiper Resort in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Atlantis' first
all-gay Mexican Riviera Cruise from Los Angeles.
The tours -- which range from two nights to two weeks -- include
biking trips to France's Provence region; rafting in Grand Teton
National Park in Wyoming; packages to gay pride events in seven
U.S. cities and Germany; and London stays developed in partnership
with Radisson Edwardian Hotels.
AAA Travel of Northern California also will work with tourist
boards that actively court gay and lesbian travelers to develop
product, said Price.
Rich Campbell, president of Atlantis Events, said more gay
travelers are seeking one-stop travel services and AAA "can fully
serve their needs.
"We're certain ... gay and lesbian AAA members will benefit
tremendously," he said.
For its part, AAA Travel of Northern California has actively
supported the Bay Area's gay and lesbian community since about
1998, Price said.
This month, the chapter is a sponsor of both the San Francisco
Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, ending June 29, and
the city's Gay Pride festival and parade on June 28 and 29.
AAA Travel of Northern California also sponsored booths at gay
pride events in Santa Rosa and Sacramento in June.
"We're doing this because we have diverse numbers, and we're
trying to meet the needs of all our members," said Price.
Although the club does not track the sexual orientation of its
membership, Price said existing gay product has sold well.
Membership and travel benefits in AAA are open to any two adults
residing at the same address, regardless of relationship.
AAA maintains a gay and lesbian travel hotline at (888)
248-5980.