LGBT sector growing three times faster than global T&T: WTTC chief
Chicago : “The lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gender sector is, without doubt, making a dynamic and influential contribution to our global industry”. That was the message to the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association that the message from David Scowsill, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Speaking at IGLTA’s 30th anniversary Global Convention in Chicago on 2 May 2013, Scowsill explained that the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gender (LGBT) market in the United States alone is estimated to be over US $55 billion and around US$ 165 billion globally.
Significantly, the LGBT sector is growing faster than the broader Travel & Tourism economy – it grew by almost 10% in 2012 year on year – against global growth of the industry of around 3%. Scowsill explained that this because “…..travel is a way of life for a lot of people in this world, whatever their sexuality. Even in the toughest times, it continues to be a priority for populations around the world. Travel & Tourism drives economies and creates jobs. Even in challenging economic times, it still has the potential to grow, as consumer appetite for travel beyond national borders remains undimmed.”
Despite the higher growth among LGBT travellers and the fact that the sector is viewed by marketers, tour operators, product development specialists and advertisers as a niche market, the sector faces the same challenges as the rest of the industry – restrictions on personal movement, high taxes and the long-term sustainability of the industry. These are the three strategic priorities that underpin the work of WTTC as it seeks to gain global understanding of the economic and social contribution of an industry which represents 9% of global GDP and supports one in 11 of all jobs on the planet. – WTTC
