London's first Gay Tourist Information Office is being planned

[andy]

[img2=left]http://www.gayspeak.com/forum/images/news/touristoffice.jpg[/img2]Plans have been unveiled which will provide LGBT tourists and London's community with its first ever purpose built LGBT tourist information office.

The office, which will open later this year, will be the first time that tourists and the gay community will have an information centre specifically tailored LGBT needs.

The idea is the brainchild of Ku Bar owner Gary Henshaw and project manager Shaun Newport. Shaun said:

"The majority of the time LGBT travellers have the same needs as straight travellers, what we want to do is provide that extra bit of inside knowledge that can help LGBT people when in another country.

"You may be Gay, Spanish and Catholic and looking for a gay friendly Catholic Church, we would be able to help you in a way that many more mainstream tourist offices wouldn't."

The tourist office is also aimed at members of the London gay community who may want advice on everything from what art exhibitions to advice on where to go for health check ups.

"London gay scene is massive and as it grows it can become increasingly difficult to find something that is gay AND relevant to you. Not every gay man wants to go to the same sort of bar."

The office will also link up with local businesses offering discounts and promotions to popular places for gay travellers.

The Gay Tourist Office will be situated above Ku Bar Lisle Street, situated a stones throw away from Londons Leicester Square.

If you would like to get involved in the Gay Tourist Office email Shaun Newport at [email protected]

[fredv3b]

In a world where, more and more, travellers are going on-line and finding out about their destination, where to see, what they do, etc. before they travel is there really a need for a physical gay tourist office? Also, considering the 'very gay traveller' who wants to do all things gay in the country are the staff really going to have detailed knowledge about gay things outside of London?

[Rychard the Lionheart]

The idea of having a gay TIC seems a positive step forward, but I see many problems ahead. I presume the staff would be gay or gay friendly, now that is a step in the right direction.