Gay Travel in Summer 2011 Shows Uptick in Intentions

New York and Washington, DC - With the U.S. and global economy gradually coming back to life - and with spending and travel habits under the spotlight during the summer months ahead, a new national survey conducted online by Harris Interactive and Witeck Combs Communications shows an increase in travel intentions among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans.

Gay adults are more likely to have summer travel plans this summer than last. Roughly two-thirds (65%) of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults plan to take a leisure trip between May and August of this year. This represents a slight improvement in travel intentions - last summer 60% had leisure travel plans. There was also a slight uptick in business travel intentions this summer versus last - 18% of LGBT adults plan to take a business trip between May and August this year (compared to 15% last year).

Not only are gay Americans more likely to travel this summer than last, those who are traveling are planning to spend more money. LGBT adults report on average they are likely to spend about $1,300 between May and August 2011 for their leisure or business travel, while during the same time period last year, the average planned travel expenditure was $1,058.

The new nationwide survey of 2,576 U.S. adults, (ages 18 and over), of whom 331 self identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transgender, was conducted between April 11 and 18, 2011, by Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc., a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm with special expertise in the LGBT market.

The new survey also investigated whether Americans plan to maintain or increase their leisure travel plans this summer - compared to their leisure travel last summer. More than 7 out of 10 (72%) LGBT adults will take more (9%) or the same number (63%) of leisure trips by car this summer.

Similar patterns arise when adults were asked about the number of weekend trips planned and the duration of leisure trips too. Among LGBT adults, more than 7 out of 10 (72%) plan to increase (12%) or maintain (60%) the number of weekend leisure trips they will take this summer. Three-quarters (75%) indicate that their leisure trips will be longer (2%) or the same length as last summer (73%).

"Harris Interactive frequently conducts travel related survey research projects, including those focused on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender marketplace. It is promising to see an increase in travel intentions and travel budgets - now more than ever, it will be important for travel companies to continue to reach out to this important consumer segment." said Allison Powell, Research Director for Harris Interactive's Travel and Tourism Research Group.

Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications, added that, "Make no mistake; gay households, like all others, are experiencing real changes in their household budgets, plans and travel expectations. Coming out of the past economic downturn has been costly for all consumers, including LGBT travelers. We see their resilience and desire to travel again this year as evidence of more optimism combined with their ingrained travel habits and needs."

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Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us - and our clients - stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. is the nation's premier marketing communications and consulting firm, specializing in developing and implementing effective strategies reaching the gay and lesbian consumer market. With over 17 years experience in this unique market, Witeck-Combs Communications not only serves as a bridge between corporate America and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender consumers (LGBT), but also provides counsel to countless non-profit organizations that aim to educate the public on gay and lesbian issues or to better reach their LGBT membership.

In April 2003, American Demographics magazine identified Bob Witeck and Wes Combs as two of 25 experts over the last 25 years who have made significant contributions to the fields of demographics, market research, media and trendspotting for their path breaking work on the gay and lesbian market, and in 2006 Bob Witeck and Wes Combs co-authored Business Inside Out: Capturing Millions of Brand Loyal Gay Consumers (Kaplan Publishing), considered the first-ever book on marketing insights, practical tips and strategies targeting the LGBT market. They have appeared in worldwide media outlets including Fortune, CNBC, CNN, Reuters, Associated Press, Ad Age, New York Times and Washington Post. For more information visit www.witeckcombs.com