Gay tourism is a form of niche tourism marketed to, people; Such a trip is known as a gaycation. As an industry it has some substantial maturity, and includes such specialists as travel agents, tour companies, cruise lines and travel advertising and promotions companies who market these destinations to the gay community.

London's Gay and Lesbian scene has really developed over the last five years, and the homophobic attitudes of old are slowly evaporating. The Gay scene in London is quite staggering. It really is a community, with gay restaurants, gay barbers, gay clothing shops, gay bars etc.

Gay travel and hotel destinations are often large cities, although not exclusively, and often coincide with the existence of gay neighborhoods. These municipalities and their tourism bureaus often work actively to develop their reputations as places for gays to travel to, commonly by aligning themselves to local gay organizations. Travel analysts state that the existence of a core gay friendly population is often the primary catalyst for the development of a gay-friendly tourist destination.

Gay tourism might also coincide with special gay events such as annual href= http://www.gaypedia.com/en/page/Gay-Pride >gay pride parades, gay neighborhood festivals and such gay community gatherings as gay chorus festivals and concerts, gay square dance conventions, gay sports meets such as Gay Games, World Out games or Euro games and conferences of national and international gay organizations. Gay tourism blossoms during these peak periods. Most hotels go absolutely full too.

are also known as gay owned and operated hotels. Gay-Friendly Hotels are those properties which are not owned by gay individuals, but are gay-friendly in that they are aware of the needs of gay travellers and are open to actively welcoming them to their properties. The internet is the leading resource for gay and lesbian travellers, dedicated to helping one research, select and book your special vacation.

Many a guide book and travel magazine are combined and displayed on the internet, by those database one can see comprehensive information on more than 1000 gay owned and operated hotels, B & B and gay-friendly places to stay. One can either send an email or call the property directly to get more information or to request a reservation.