by Mat Churchill


It remains a relatively untapped market in the Port Douglas region, but around the world more and more tourism industry based operations are waking up to the potential of the gay and lesbian travel market.

Gavin Keegan is the new general manager of Turtle Cove, a resort just 15 minutes drive south of Port Douglas which caters exclusively to gay and lesbian travellers.

"There's certainly scope to attract gay & lesbian travellers, particularly in the off-season because this time of the year is spectacular. The travellers we've had here in the last couple of weeks have absolutely loved it," said Mr Keegan.

"Trying to steer away from the on-season, that could be a perfect time to target….as a good boost to the economy. It's such a big market these days that even if you only have a small share, it's a big slice of the pie so it's certainly worth it."

Jake Banks undertakes the marketing for the resort which has a strong online presence.

"It's usually advertised through the gay media such as SSO and Evolution Media. Also on the internet we've got a big following with banner ads and that sort of stuff.

"A lot of our guests actually book online, that's were we get most of our bookings. We've got about 1,400 followers on Facebook which is pretty good."

Mr Banks said that like most other DINKS (Double Income No Kids), gay and lesbian couples appreciate the finer things in life.

"The little things count such as service. Gay and lesbian people usually don't have children so they've got a bit of disposable income. They like good food and good wine which is another thing I've noticed."

Mr Keegan said that tapping into other events such as the famous Mardis Gras in Sydney (which adds an estimated $30-$90 million to the Sydney economy each year) also makes good business sense.

"Everywhere around Australia they have post-Mardi Gras recovery parties. Daylesford (Victoria) is big for a whole week, Gold Coast is pretty big. You're competing with those so you need to tap into that and we do extensively. We run five-day recovery package which is always popular. By mid February we'll be 100% booked."

So what can Port Douglas do to attract its fair share of this market? Mr Keegan suggests that it may be wise to avoid of the traditional festivals, parades, and pride marches.

"Probably being a little bit more niche and steering away from the usual community festivals. They're not different, they're same same."

"Unlike in the past it's not like 'us and them' anymore, it's all one now and it has obviously come along way."

In one concise sentence, Mr Banks highlights the potential for growth in the gay and lesbian tourism market for our region. "There is a lot of money out there if you target it properly," he said.