Six Sought-After LGBT Destinations to Choose From

LGBT tourism has grown exponentially in recent years to become a sector that generates considerable income and attracts the attention of the leisure industry.

Every single day, more and more destinations are vying to earn the gay-friendly rating, so they conceive strategies and actions to offer that community an engaging and unforgettable experience. Caribbean News Digital presents a top of the most recognized in the American, Caribbean and Iberian regions.

Spain

LGBTQ travelers from Brazil, China, Japan, Russia and the US consider Spain to be the best gay-friendly destination in Europe and it is their first choice for the events and festivals that take place there, for the holiday experience and for the quality of life it offers to that collective the Iberian nation.

The data are included in a report of the European Travel Commission, an entity that integrates national tourism offices in 33 countries. It is listed as a very respectful and fun country, where gay couples can show their affection with total freedom. Shops, bars, nightclubs, beaches, lodgings and multiple opportunities, specially designed, can enjoy in Spain the LGBT community.

Barcelona is held annually the Circuit Festival, an international contest for gays and lesbians, recognized as one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Other important events are Gay Pride Barcelona, Madrid Gay Pride, Sitges Pride, which takes place on the beach with free concerts, DJ sessions and fashion shows. In those, the Delice Dream Spring Break and the Wonder Gay Festival in Torremolinos are added.

San Francisco, U.S.

The California city is an essential place in the fight for the rights of the LGBT community. Since the 70s of the last century the metropolis was erected as a world leader in the vindication of gay rights. Remember the movie Milk, starring Sean Penn, about the life of politician and activist Harvey Milk...?

For many, the community's nerve center is in the Castro district and its vibrant epicenter at the confluences of Castro Street with 18th Street, a place popularly known as "the four gayest corners on Earth."

There the LGBT Pride March is held, listed as one of the largest parades of its kind in the world. Its large gay population has created and sustained for decades a politically and culturally very active community, making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations today. It is said to have the highest percentage of the adult population that is identified as LGBT.

According to the site www.visitcalifornia.com there are more than 60 gay bars and clubs, shops and major festivals such as the Frameline LGBT cinema. Legendary spaces such as Badlands, Lookout and Twin Peaks Tavern; as well as gay-friendly hotels, including The Parker Guest House, W and Casa Luna SF make the city an indispensable destination.

Puerto Rico

As the 2018 destination for the LGBT community it was designated Puerto Rico by the travel guide GayCities.com, one of the most important for that community. The award was awarded to The Island of Charm for its determination and resistance after Hurricane Maria, as well as calling the nation a remarkable and inclusive place.

Condado and Santurce districts host many gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, bars and beaches. In San Juan, the capital, there is an intense activity: beaches, nightclubs, bars, casinos, clubs and gay resorts, under the protection and protection of U.S. laws against discrimination. The most popular places of atmosphere are the Atlantic Beach Bar (with a weekly show of transvestites) and clubs such as Eros. On the island of Vieques there are also a large number of resorts for gays.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires ranks in the top 10 world for gay tourism, according to the results of the British LGBT Awards, -one of the most important distinctions of the segment. Its wide range of artistic, cultural, gastronomic and social culture, together with legislation according to the times, made it one of the most-chosen cities by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Since the opening in the 90s of the Filo restaurant, the first respectful of sexual diversity, much has been advanced. In 2010, Argentina moved forward with the approval of equal marriage, to which was added the gender identity law and the anti-discrimination law, and thus put itself at the forefront of sexual minority rights.

Buenos Aires is for many the gay capital of Latin America. Buenos Aires Diversa takes place there, a festival that promotes inclusion and diversity; the International Tango Queer Festival and the Gay Pride March. The South American nation is expected to welcome the fifth edition of the LGBT Games in 2020, with nearly 5,000 athletes from 15 different disciplines.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a place of emotions, fun and color, elements that blend harmoniously with its cheerful population, a laidback atmosphere and the possibility of living freely and with respect. There the LGBT community has found a space where they feel very comfortable.

The Gay Pride parades have been transformed into a party that convenes millions of activists, visitors, villagers, etc. The famous Carnival of the Wonderful City is also transformed into a celebration of love, free speech and diversity. In the sophisticated neighborhood of Ipanema are located many meeting points dedicated especially to the gay community: beaches, bars, cinemas, theaters and shops.

The focus of the activities is in Farme de Amoedo, considered the gay point par excellence of the city and whose beach is a privileged place for meetings. Only in Rio de Janeiro there are more than 40 places where diversity predominates, with proposals for all tastes: restful cafes, drag queens shows, unbridled dances and more erotic options. LGBT activities exceed one hundred, some like Gala Gay at the Scala Rio club, enjoy a lot of fame.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, located in Banderas Bay, Mexico, holds the Gay Travel Approved certificate, which delivers GayTravel.com, making it the Mexican capital for the LGBT segment. There are hotels, bars, nightclubs, clubs, beaches, boutiques and even drinks designed specifically for these travelers. The safe, welcoming and beautiful environment in all its extension.

One of its great attractions is a gay natural park, Paco's Paradise, with its own beach; as well as an exclusive cruise. Favorite of lesbian-gay tourism is Playa de los Muertos, in addition, sites such as Paco, Frida, Garbo and Los Amigos offer an unparalleled night atmosphere.

According to a study led by Dr. María de los Angeles Huízar Sánchez, a researcher at the University Center of the Costa and the Integral Observatory of the Puerto Vallarta Tourist Region and Banderas Bay, LGBT tourism leaves an average of $630 daily per person and most stay in the romantic area of Puerto Vallarta, especially for the services to which they have access. Puerto Vallarta is a site highly sought after for nightlife, cultural wealth and natural treasures, which is why it has established itself as a gay-friendly destination.