Gay Brighton and Sussex

Holiday taking by the gay community is big business and Brighton is a recognised gay friendly destination. To capitalise on this awareness a new initiative – Visit Gay Brighton and Sussex – is nearing launch with a dedicated website and business support forum. Find out more….. 

LGBT tourism (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) is a lucrative niche market for Britain. Brighton is a recognised strong brand in the marketplace competing with London and Manchester. The ‘double income no kids’ gay community is more likely to travel despite adverse conditions and has higher than average disposable income. Studies indicate that US LGBT visitors alone spend $65 billion annually on holidays.

Gay visitors are attracted to Sussex for the same reasons mainstream visitors are - Sussex is rich in culture, events, heritage, gardens, antiques and speciality shopping. As one B&B owner said “People who come to stay with us are the kind of people who want to get away from the scene. They want a break where they can just chill out and unwind.”

In the US, 59% of gay travellers use the web to research or make travel plans and 50% will book online. The new Visit Gay Brighton & Sussex website forms a dedicated channel (mini-site) of Visit Sussex. It will be packed full of detailed information drawn from records on Visit Sussex and local destination websites. Currently 40 businesses have indicated they are gay friendly and will feature on the channel site.

Once launched, the new website will raise the profile of Brighton and Sussex to LGBT visitors. Supported by the Gay Business Forum, the website will be promoted through gay media in the UK and overseas. As membership grows, more opportunities will be available through ILGTBA, promotion at Pride events and distribution of a printed map (produced by the Gay Business Forum). 

The promotional channel is available to any gay friendly and gay owned/managed, business. As well as accommodation, events will feature prominently – from huge dance events to group walks and talks.

For further information please click the relevant link:

• Promote my accommodation business or add my event to Visit Gay Brighton & Sussex (email link to Gillian Asher)

• Join the Gay Business Forum (email link to Morham? – he has specific GBF email set up)