Press Releases
RELEASE:
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April 21, 2008
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Contact:
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Tony Felice, 480-567-6890
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New Gay Adventure Company Helps Travelers Make Best Travel Choices
PHOENIX, Ariz. –April 21, 2008—with rising gas prices and most gay American’s feeling the pinch on their wallets, many are reconsidering vacation plans. Couple that with the fact that there are few choices out there with respect to excursion companies. Most are simply cruise-related and if they profess to be “friendly,” there is still no guarantee that gay and lesbian travelers will be comfortable around their straight counterparts.
Overall, consumer spending is down amid a deteriorating job market, expensive energy bills and fuel costs as well as the housing slump.
Does this mean that gay and lesbian travelers will be cutting back on spending as well? Maybe. Especially if unsure that operators or destinations are really gay friendly. Historically, gay travelers had had to pay more for the luxury of traveling with their peers. Anyone who has rented a room with a partner and requested one bed knows how uncomfortable it can be, so gay friendly travel was worth the extra money. Still, whether travelers have deep pockets or not, making the right choices can affect more than just wallets. Gay travelers want assurances that companies are targeting them not just for their money, but because they are truly creating an experience relevant to GLBT travelers.
Tracy Phillips, Marketing Director for the Arizona Tourism Center agrees. We target the GLBT community with specific goals in mind,” she said.
“We understand that gay travelers have discernment about the places and venues they like to visit and we want to make sure we are helping them to have the best vacation they can have.” In addition to reaching out to the GLBT community, Arizona Tourism Center plays an active role in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff Pride celebrations.
“We believe we are partners, not just interested in gay travelers in general,” Phillips added.
Likewise, Arizona based Mary’s Adventure is an excursion company owned by gay brothers Chris and Kevin Smith who want GLBT travelers to reconsider postponing plans. Mary’s Adventure provides excursions for the GLBT community and their friends, within the state of Arizona as well as out-of-state and international travel. Many excursions offer added benefits that would otherwise cost travelers more money.
“We want to make sure that we distinguish ourselves,” said Chris Smith, Vice President. “You won’t see our staff holding giant sunflower’s saying ‘we’re walking, we’re walking’ and directing guests,” he adds humorously.
“We pack our adventures full of programming and entertainment as well as providing transportation and accommodations.” This includes entrance fees, special curator tours and pre-qualifying accommodations that welcome and celebrate gay travelers.
Still, Smith wants travelers to know that they can expect a fun, light-hearted time—hence the name of the company.
Comedian Alec Mapa is already a fan. "Are you kidding me, who wouldn't want to go out in the bush with two gay brothers?"
"The hell with ‘dingo ate me baby’, get me a cocktail and some SPF 45," he added.
Mapa, a friend of the founders, is already a member and looking forward to the first trip with his partner, highlighting the fact travelers do not have to be from Arizona to enjoy the benefits of membership.
“We could draw from as far away as Australia,” said Smith. We’ve already had some inquiries from that country”. Destinations include gay-themed events like Flagstaff and San Diego Pride celebrations as well as weekend excursions to places like Bisbee, Ariz., Apache Lake and the Grand Canyon and destinations in Mexico.
For more information, visit MarysAdventures.com or call 1-877-627-9797. For interviews, please contact Tony Felice at 480-567-6890.
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About Mary’s Adventure
Mary’s Adventure is a membership-based company that offers discounts and special programs to which travelers would otherwise not have access. Many in-state excursions provide transportation, overnight accommodations, and meals and include special tours, shows, event admissions, post-pride events, and other perks.
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