Big D comes out of the closet
Forgot the image of the strong, silent cowboy. Dallas tourism officials are now embracing gay and lesbian visitors.
“Big D” is a diverse metropolitan area that “has left behind stereotypes of big-haired women and rowdy cowboys — that is, unless you count sassy drag queens and strapping gay rodeo champs,” according to a Web site operated by the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Our Secret is Out” proclaims the site, which features images of same-sex couples enjoying the local sights.
“It’s not about being politically correct, it’s about being economically correct,” said Phillip Jones, president and CEO of the tourism bureau, told USA Today.
He said gay travelers spend an average of $100 more per day than other travelers and plan four to six trips a year.
In addition to leisure travelers, the city is seeking to attract gay-oriented meetings, including a gay rodeo.
About 20 gay-oriented meetings have come to the city since the promotion began two years ago, Jones said. About six events are scheduled over the next year, including a gay rodeo.
The tourism bureau put up the Web site this year, listing more than 20 gay-friendly hotels, shopping areas, tourist attractions and night clubs.
“We’ve come a long way since the days of the saloon,” the site says. “Everyone should experience the queer life and rich history of this ‘Texas-sized’ city.”
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025