We’ve always been a tad dubious about any business claiming to the best after all the years that British Airways somewhat unilaterally declared itself ‘the world’s favorite airline’. Even though half the queerguru team are Brits, it was never ever our pet airline …..in fact we really quite loathed it.
Although we are at best skeptical about most of the Awards for travel industry which seem like nothing more than self-congratulatory pats on the back for what we think is often over-priced indifferent service, we are however happy to recognize the inaugural ones announced today of the first ever Gay Travel Awards. Not only because we can endorse some of their choices, but also because we believe it is important that we recognize inclusive travel-related companies and destinations who specifically meet the exacting standards of the LGBT community; and second, to inspire other companies and brands around the world to continually raise their service levels and amenities while encouraging a broad spirit of inclusiveness.
Here are the winners listed alphabetically below:
Airline, Commuter: Cape Air https://www.capeair.com/
Airline, International: Virgin Atlantic http://www.virginatlantic.com/
Airline, US: Southwest https://www.southwest.com/lgbtoutreach/
Beach of the Year: 12th Street Beach, South Beach, Miami http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/culture/articles/14/top-10-gay-beaches.html
Bed & Breakfast of the Year: The Candleberry Inn http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/the-candleberry-inn-on-cape-cod
Cruise Line of the Year: Royal Caribbean International http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-blog/royal-caribbean-is-coming-out-for-equality
Destination of the Year: Las Vegas http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-guides/las-vegas
Event of the Summer: Out in the Vineyard http://www.outinthevineyard.com
Event of the Winter: Whistler Gay Pride & Ski Festival http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-events/whistler-pride-ski-festival
Gay Bar of the Year: The Abbey West Hollywood http://www.theabbeyweho.com
Gay Pride of the Year: Madrid http://www.gaytravel.com/2016-pride-of-the-year-madrid
Gayborhood of the Year: Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-guides/puerto-vallarta
Hotel Collection of the Year: Starwood Hawaii http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/starwood-hawaii
Hotel Luxury, Europe: Hotel Alpine Palace http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/the-alpine-palace
Hotel Luxury, US: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/the-ritz-carlton-fort-lauderdale
Hotel of the Year: ME Cabo http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/me-cabo
Hotel, Wedding: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort And Spa http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/grand-hyatt-kauai-resort-and-spa
Spa of the Year: The Meadowood Spa http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-hotels/meadowood-napa-valley
Theater/Show of the Year: Hamilton http://www.hamiltonbroadway.com/
Tour Operator of the Year: (tie)
HE Travel & Oscar Wilde Tours http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-tours/he-travel-gay-argentina-patagonia
http://www.gaytravel.com/gay-friendly-tours/gay-history-of-new-york-oscar-wilde-tours
The Gay Travel Awards are administered by www.gaytravel.com a major resource for LGBT travel for almost 20 years.
