KATINA WILLIAMS
NICK ROGERS
DR . HAYNES
SCOTT WISMONT
“ Destinations are spending time and money on LGBTQ + training and advertising ,” Rogers says . “ It ’ s important the destination isn ’ t just wanting LGBTQ + money or calling themselves an LGBTQ + destination . I need to know via my own experience or by talking to travelers who felt comfortable and that the rainbow flag wasn ’ t just for show .”
LGBTQ + ROMANTIC TRAVEL DESTINATIONS According to Katina Williams of Chasing Down Daydreams Travel , Mexico is a popular destination for the LGBTQ + travelers she works with . “ The demand has been high for adventure travel in particular ,” she says . Some of the most popular locales she sees include Puerto Vallarta , Mexico City , Riviera Maya , Zipolite and Holbox .
In the United States , Disney World is always a popular trip for LGBTQ + clients . “ Disney World is the place where you can act like a kid and not worry about anything . The annual ‘ Gay Days ’ are always a favorite — it ’ s just filled with so much love ,” Williams adds .
Dr . Terika L . Haynes , founder of Dynamite Travel , has seen interest from her LGBTQ + clients in attending major pride events including Sydney World Pride in 2023 . She suggests Puerto Rico , St . Martin / St . Maarten , St . Barth ’ s and Curaçao . “ These destinations are appealing because they ’ re more LGBTQ + friendly than other destinations in the Caribbean ,” she says .
In Europe , Rogers sends his LGBTQ + clients to Barcelona and the Greek Isles because they ’ re places where they ’ ll be respected and treated the same as non- LGBTQ + couples . Wismont adds Paris to the list , saying , “ Paris is the most popular romance destination for global travelers , and our community is fully welcomed .”
HOW TO VET A RESORT FOR LGBTQ + TRAVELERS To vet a resort for LGBTQ + travelers , Wismont looks for the property ’ s support for the overall community throughout the year . Agents should be sure to :
• Ask about inclusivity training for employees and if they welcome members of the community as employees — this can reveal if a resort is actively practicing an inclusive culture .
• Seek out LGBTQ + -owned resorts .
• Look for resorts that have held LGBTQ + weddings or offer same-sex couples ’ massages .
• Examine the resort ’ s marketing materials and social media accounts . Does the content reflect same-sex couples ? “ A resort that rainbow-washes its logo once a year isn ’ t ideal , but one actively working to make our community better is worth supporting ,” Wismont says .
Rogers seeks LGBTQ + -owned resorts and often visits resorts before recommending them to clients . “ There are resorts I wouldn ’ t send clients to based on my personal experiences . Sometimes it ’ s not just the resort , it ’ s the clientele they attract ,” he says .
RESORTS FOR LGBTQ + ROMANCE TRAVEL Rogers loves Karisma Resorts as they ’ ve always treated his clients with respect . “ The Karisma properties are filled with a welcoming spirit that invites travelers to be themselves . Their properties are romantic and have great service ,” he says . Wismont notes that Marriott and Hilton make inclusivity part of daily operations and have corporate training to ensure all travelers are treated equally . Marriott has several properties near Disneyland , including the new Westin Anaheim Resort . His all-inclusive brand of choice is AMResorts . “ These resorts are fantastic for romantic travelers because of their efforts to ensure inclusiveness . At a Secrets resort , an LGBTQ + couple can have a romantic candle-lit dinner without feeling like they ’ re being scorned ,” he explains .
Playa del Carmen , Mexico , is popular for LGBTQ + travelers . Williams recommends the Xcaret properties , including La Casa de la Playa , and Wismont ’ s choice is Palmaïa , The House of AïA . Rogers ’ Mexico favorite is Almar Resort in Puerto Vallarta . “ It ’ s an upscale LGBTQ + experience ,” he says . “ A hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta is Garlands del Rio with unique rooms and indoor / outdoor showers .”
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