22 January 2010

Thomson sets up gay travel brand

Thomson claims to have become the only mainstream tour operator to offer a brand targeting gay and lesbian travellers.

The new Freedom Collection e-brochure features properties which will have had a seal of approval by online accreditation scheme GayComfort before holidaymakers arrive.

This means that frontline hotel staff have had special training to help strip out the awkwardness that often creeps into same-sex holidays, such as the moment when a same-sex couple check in and it is assumed that they would want a twin instead of a double, according to the operator.

The GayComfort programme has been designed by Out Now and is the only IGLTA recognised endorsement on just how gay friendly a hotel actually is.

The hotels, which include some gay exclusive properties, cover seven destinations, all of which have either well-established or blossoming gay scenes.

Couples choosing the Freedom Collection can organise their civil partnership through the tour operator. Thomson is offering same-sex ceremonies in Ibiza, with extras ranging from stretch limos to fire-swallowing showmen.

Thomson Innovation manager Philippa Morgan said: "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."

by Phil Davies