Gay Marriage in Vermont Has Tourism Industry Planning

The passage of Vermont's same-sex marriage law has some businesses in the tourism industry planning to boost marketing to gay and lesbian travelers.

At a meeting of the Vermont Gay Tourism Association Wednesday morning, innkeepers and tour companies discussed a media campaign and series of events to attract more business to Vermont. They say guests who come here from out-of-state for weddings or civil unions spend an average of $500 per person.

Jeff Connor of the Vermont Gay Tourism Association explains, "Already, people at inns and so forth that had couples for civil unions are getting in touch with those couples and saying, 'Come back and now have a marriage.' So we're hoping for repeat business as well."

Connor says the law sends a message that Vermont is open and welcoming to all visitors, whether or not they're planning a gay wedding.

But during the debate over same-sex marriage, some opponents argued the legislation would actually turn off travelers who don't like the idea of letting gay and lesbian couples marry.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News
http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10187777