Thessaloniki Hoteliers Reach Out to LGBT Travelers

Photo source: Thessaloniki Hotels Association

Photo source: Thessaloniki Hotels Association

As part of its ongoing strategy to attract all the more visitors to the northern port city, the Thessaloniki Hotels Association (THA) is opening up to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) market through the promotion of new initiatives.

In collaboration with gay travel experts Destsetters, the THA organized a workshop on Monday, for its members titled “Gay & Lesbian Travel Market: Trends, Services & Targeting Methods”.

During the day event, Destsetters Co-founder and Strategy Director Nikos Morantis spoke about the importance of respect for diversity, presented the profiles of the LGBT niche market and referred to what makes them among the strongest consumers in tourism.

Participants in the event shared ideas on how to effectively reach out to the LGBT traveler through targeted channels of communication, examined ways to best develop and promote “gay friendly” accommodation and explored methods of setting up a far-reaching campaign to bring in the LGBT holidaymaker.

Photo source: Thessaloniki Hotels Association

According to relevant data, gay tourists travel frequently, some more than three to four times a year. Thessaloniki is a competitive destination in that it offers the products topping LGTB travelers’ preferences, including culture, art, gastronomy and entertainment.

Thessaloniki is ready to respond to any challenge of the international travel market and is open to partnerships with all bodies and organizations which seek to contribute towards strengthening the tourist flow to the region, THA President Aristotelis Thomopoulos said in his greeting.

Founded in 2012, Destsetters has grown into a leading travel channel for the LGBT market, covering more than 150 destinations in 30 countries and offering tailor-made plans that also include luxury, culinary and wellness & spa travel.