Gay tourism ‘on the up in India’

Traditionally conservative India may be opening itself up to more gay tourism, particularly in areas such as Goa, Kerala and Varanasi.

An increasing number of homosexual tourists are considering flights to Goa and other Indian destinations, according to an industry source.

Speaking to the Times of India, gay travel expert Sanjay Malhotra claimed the city is popular with both domestic and international visitors, alongside Khujaraho, Varanasi and Kerala.

The publication noted that more companies are offering packages that pledge homosexual tourists will not suffer any negative incidents in the traditionally conservative country.

“Customised packages – everything from yoga, spiritual, weddings, honeymoon or even surrogacy tours – are the main attractions for foreign gay tourists to India,” added Abhinav Goel, who founded his own agency dedicated to gay travel.

In his view, India has everything a holidaymaker could ever want and this suggests the potential for growth in visitors is very strong.

This month, US coastal destination Miami Beach saw the launch of the first LGBT hotel chain. Lords Hotel has announced its intention to open outlets in several other US cities.

Written by Erin Marshall