Unprecedented economic challenges facing the global tourism and hospitality industries have led leaders to explore viable “niche” markets to fill the gaps. Research over the past decade has indicated particular strength in the gay and lesbian markets, who continue to take holidays in large numbers during recessions, health scares, etc.
Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), the international LGBT research and marketing firm, has announced a comprehensive “European Symposium on Gay & Lesbian Tourism” to meet these challenges and identify growth opportunities. The symposium, to be held at the Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch, London on February 13, is dedicated to marketing and sales executives of tourism boards, accommodations, travel suppliers, tour operators, retailers, and meeting planners.
The full-day London program will be similar in format to CMI’s annual conference held throughout North America for 10 years. It will feature expert UK, European, and American speakers discussing LGBT tourism and hospitality research insights, trends, best practices, case studies, marketing outreach, and more. Discussions will include business expansion opportunities specific to the many global LGBT markets. Speaker insight will be coupled with invaluable networking during breaks, lunch and the evening reception.
The Honorable Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, will open the symposium. Speakers and topics of discussion will include:
– Martine Ainsworth-Wells, Marketing Director, Visit London: “London Destination Case Study”
– David Paisley, Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc.: “Insights and Lessons from 100 LGBT Tourism Focus Groups”
– Paul Gauger, Media Relations Director, Visit Britain: “Leveraging LGBT Press Connections to Optimise your Results”
– Serge Gojkovich, President, Gay Consultants, Inc., Boston: “How to Reach the USA Market”
– Stephen Coote, Managing Director, SC&A Marketing, London: “How to Reach the UK Market”
– Thomas Bömkes, Managing Director, Tom Consulting, Inc., Munich: “German Marketing via Gay Travel Portals”
– David Muniz, Commercial Director, QSoft Consulting (gaydar), London: “Key Findings of LGBT Tourism Research in the UK and Europe; Gay Resilience in Economic Downturns”
– Matt Skallerud, President, Pink Banana Media, Los Angeles: “Interactive and New Internet Media: Affordable and Effective Approaches”
– Andrew Roberts, Chief Executive, Amro Worldwide Holidays, London: “Co-Operatively Promoting Destinations and Suppliers”
– Jeff Guaracino, VP Communications, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp., “Philadelphia Case Study”
For more information please visit www.CommunityMarketingInc.com .
