Gay marriage tourism boom

California has always welcomed visitors of various lifestyles and backgrounds and, in the wake of the State Supreme Court’s legalisation of gay marriage, the Golden State has even more appeal as a top vacation destination for same-sex weddings, commitment ceremonies and honeymoons.

The ruling reflects California’s unique appeal as a destination.

California continues to welcome LGBT couples to its state, whether they are on vacation, or now, coming for weddings or honeymoons, Susan Wilcox, vice-president of communications and industry relations for the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), said.

Additionally, there is no doubt that same-sex marriage and vacations to California will be good for the economy, from generating more state and local tax revenues to supporting jobs for thousands of Californians.

In the United States nearly half of all gay men and women surveyed in a Travel Industry Association study said that a destination’s gay-friendliness is important to them when making leisure travel choices.

According to TIA, LGBT travellers have a significant impact on the US travel economy, with gay men spending an average of $800 per trip, which is $260 more per trip than heterosexuals travelling alone.

Gay-owned and operated since opening its doors 10 years ago, the Chateau de Vie in Napa Valley’s Calistoga, part of the San Francisco Bay area region, has a long history of welcoming couples, groups and families celebrating commitments, anniversaries and birthdays among its vineyards.

This elegant bed and breakfast is also a favourite of culinary travellers with its wine pairing to seven-course dinners. Since 1999, 10 percent of all the ceremonies at Arden Wood Affairs, a Victorian wedding site in Fremont with an impressive mansion, gardens and grounds, have been by same-sex couples.

Several hotels throughout California, including the Los Angeles region, Santa Barbara and Orange County’s famous Laguna Beach, cater to gay and lesbian weddings.

The Simpson Hotel Inn in Santa Barbara, North America’s only AAA five-diamond bed and breakfast, is a perfect fit. The Casa Laguna Inn and Spa in Laguna Beach, located in the Orange County region, has been the venue for weddings, as well as same-sex ceremonies, since 2000.

The CTTC is a non-profit organisation with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs -” in partnership with the state’s travel industry -” that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination.

info: Check www.visitcalifornia.com/lgbt for a list of same-sex wedding locations and honeymoon packages and ideas from around the state. The website also includes links to the destinations and accommodations, and will be updated with new package information.