Bodrum is top holiday resort for gay travellers

Friday, 12th September 2008

Written by Francesca Cookney

The Turkish coastal resort of Bodrum has long been popular with British holiday makers and in recent years has enjoyed increased interest from gay and lesbian travellers.

Over the next couple of years, the region's authorities expect to see more than 10,000 gay visitors and the good news is – they can't wait. Tourism agent and former mayor of the Yalı district, Ahmet Ligoğlu, went to great lengths to put out the message of welcome to all tourists, regardless of their sexuality, pointing out that in 2006, gay tourists were welcomed to Bodrum with flowers.

"We are ready to provide comfort to all," he said. So it's no surprise that the International Gay And Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) chose the town as the location for their annual seminar which sees the congregation of over 80 representatives from worldwide travel agencies. 

"We know of the tolerance shown to gays in Bodrum as one of the world's historic, cultural and civilization spots so we preferred Bodrum this time," Carlos Kytka, president of IGLTA told the Turkish Daily News. And he is not the only one to recommend Bodrum.

The Independent's travel supplement also named the Aegean resort as one of the world's top holiday resorts for gay travellers, alongside Florida, South Africa, Iceland, Melbourne, Montreal and Costa Rica.

Please add your comment here. Your Name *: Email (private) *: Town : Country :

Quick Links