Day 1 - Wednesday, 29 July 2009
'Gay' Tourists and Host Community Attitudes
Information
Tourism by gay men is believed to be a growing and profitable market. Studies of this market segment are increasing in number and scope but little work has been undertaken on the attitudes of residents in host communities. This paper examines the attitudes of locals in a small beach community in Mexico which has become popular with gay tourists. The data was collected by means of in-depth interviews. Despite the stated acceptance of homosexuality, attitudes were negative - largely because of the overt sexual behaviour of many tourists. There was concen about its conflict with local cultural mores and the effects upon other forms of tourism.
'Gay' Tourists and Host Community Attitudes
Tourism by gay men is believed to be a growing and profitable market. Studies of this market segment are increasing in number and scope but little work has been undertaken on the attitudes of residents in host communities. This paper examines the attitudes of locals in a small beach community in Mexico which has become popular with gay tourists. The data was collected by means of in-depth interviews. Despite the stated acceptance of homosexuality, attitudes were negative - largely because of the overt sexual behaviour of many tourists. There was concen about its conflict with local cultural mores and the effects upon other forms of tourism.