LGBTQ Tourism in San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Economic Impacts of the “Pink Dollar”

Author Information

Manuel Rivera, University of Central FloridaFollow
Kelly Semrad, University of Central FloridaFollow
Robertico Croes, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida

Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Manuel Rivera

Dr. Rivera is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Rivera is also the Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Hospitality Management. His research interest includes tourism development, destination management, economic impacts and poverty.

Kelly Semrad

Dr. Semrad is an association professor in the Department of Tourism, Events and Attractions in Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. She teaches event and entertainment management courses. Her research addresses revenue management and marketing related topics in hospitality and socioeconomic related challenges in tourism.

Robertico Croes

Dr. Croes is a professor and Associate Dean for Research and Administration and the Director of the Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. His research interest includes tourism development, competitiveness and human development.

Abstract (150 Words)

The objectives of this study are three-fold. First, the current study intends to estimate the amount of LGBTQ tourists visiting a Caribbean destination – San Juan, Puerto Rico. Second, the study will empirically determine the sociodemographic profile of LGBTQ tourists visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico. Finally, while some destination marketers assume that the LGBTQ market is a value added segment for destinations, the current study will facilitate a systematic forecasting tool with which to estimate the economic impact of the pink dollar in San Juan, Puerto Rico.