Mainstream holiday operator to cater for gay couples
Holiday company Thomson has announced it is launching a new holiday brochure aimed at gay couples.
The film is the first major holiday operator to do so and promises that all hotels in the Freedom Collection brochure will be have been given the “GayComfort seal of approval”.
According to Thomson, the accreditation scheme means staff have been trained to respond appropriately to gay couples, such as not assuming they will want twin beds.
Holiday advisors will offer tips on the best beaches, bars and restaurants and where to find an area’s gay scene.
The hotels are in seven gay-friendly destinations: Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Sitges, Ibiza, Majorca, Mykonos and Lesbos. Some featured are male or female-only.
Couples visiting Ibiza can arrange to have their civil partnerships on the island, with extras such as stretch limos and fire-eaters.
Thomson Innovation manager Philippa Morgan said in a press release: “This is a hugely exciting launch for Thomson. There’s definitely an appetite in the market for gay-friendly holidays that come with the security and peace of mind that only a big tour operator can offer.
“The reason we’ve taken this approach is because research has shown that three out of four gay or lesbian holidaymakers actively search out hotels they believe are genuinely welcoming.”
