PROMOTIONS: IRELAND'S TOURISM chiefs should "think pink" by following the example of Iceland and Israel and promoting gay-friendly holidays, according to the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen).
In recent informal meetings, the organisation has urged Government ministers to do more to exploit the potential of gay tourism into Ireland.
"It's an open goal," says Tiernan Brady of Glen, "the only question is why we aren't doing it already."
He points out that Ireland ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for legal rights for gay people, a status that was copper-fastened with the recent introduction of civil partnership laws. In addition, this week's Irish Times social poll confirmed high levels of tolerance in society for gay rights issues.
"When you put that with Dublin's social scene and its popularity for citybreaks, and the proximity of huge markets in neighbouring countries, you see that it's definitely something we should be doing," says Brady.
Business has long recognised the value of what in pre-euro days was known as the "pink pound" and cities, such as Berlin, have been to the fore in capitalising on the gay tourist market.
This week saw a new gay-friendly tour package launched in Iceland, which currently boasts the world's first lesbian prime minister.
The three-night package showcases Reykjavik's gay scene and allows travellers to learn more about the growth of the country's gay community while offering free time to enjoy the capital.
The deal includes a stay in a "gay-friendly" apartment hotel in the capital, a city tour with a personal gay guide and return flights from London with Iceland Express. The package from Express Travel costs from €664 per person and is available between September 24th and November 29th this year.
In Israel, Tel Aviv's tourism association recently launched a six-month "gay vibe" campaign to attract visitors to the "city that never sleeps". The campaign, which has offended some religious groups, is aimed particularly at gays and lesbians in Germany and France.
Tourism Ireland says it promotes Ireland as a gay-friendly holiday destination at various gay sporting events, including this year's Gay Games in Cologne. At the World Outgames in Copenhagen last year, it even promoted special low airfares to Ireland with the slogan "learn a little Gaylic and get to know the locals".