by Paul Heney
Last updated: 9:15 AM ET, Tue February 20, 2018
Home-based travel agencies Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations are hosting their first annual LGBT Getaways Cruise this April. This queer lifestyle cruise aboard the Celebrity Silhouette will depart from Fort Lauderdale on April 8, 2018, for a 7-night voyage to the Eastern Caribbean.
The LGBTQ tourism market has been estimated to total $211 billion worldwide, according to LGBT2030-and Community Marketing surveys indicate that approximately 16 percent of gay travelers took a cruise in the past year, more than three times the figure for straight travelers.
"We decided to launch the LGBT Getaways Cruise to respond to the demand from consumers and our travel agents for this niche group that wants a lifestyle vacation experience in a more traditional and sophisticated atmosphere," said Drew Daly, General Manager of Network Engagement and Performance for Cruises Inc., Cruise One and Dream Vacations.
"Celebrity Cruises has always been an advocate for the LGBT community, so it was a no-brainer to partner with them on this cruise, which has already met with positive response."
Dream Vacations' corporate office worked with Celebrity Cruises to identify the optimal itinerary and ship, as well as to secure the group space. The cruise will visit San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Cruisers will experience an exclusive shore excursion with Resort for a Day-and participate in a wine tasting and themed cocktail parties throughout the week.
"I am extremely excited that Dream Vacations listened to franchisee feedback and organized the LGBT group cruise, providing a fantastic option for a casual get-together onboard a great ship," said Trapper Martin, Dream Vacations franchise owner and member of the organization's advisory council. "So many people want an experience that isn't mass market, but rather a smaller group of people traveling together-and we hope to start something the market can be proud of in the coming years."
Travel agents within the Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations network have the option to book this cruise. To ensure their success, they are being provided assets to assist in the marketing of the cruise as well as access to the network's group concierge.
Cruises Inc., CruiseOne and Dream Vacations are committed to being "Rich in Diversity" and empower all owners, agents and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.
What's more, all three companies are looking for individuals who are passionate about travel, helping others and are eager to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. For information on joining these award-winning agencies, please visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com to learn more about owning a Dream Vacations and CruiseOne travel franchise, and visit www.sellcruises.com to learn more about the Cruises Inc. host agency.
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