Orlando Gay Travel, Converge
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Converge Orlando is a non-profit organization that promotes LGBT tourism in Orlando. Its goals are to attract first-time LGBT visitors, extend their stays, target conventions and amateur athletic groups, and promote Orlando as a gay-friendly destination especially during off-seasons. Converge launched an LGBT travel insert and website orlandogaytravel.com to promote Orlando's attractions, hotels, and experiences to LGBT travelers and assure them of their safety and security. Hosting large events like the 2018 Gay Games could bring over $150 million to the local economy.
Orlando Gay Travel, Converge
- 2. What is Converge Orlando? Converge Orlando, Inc. is a non-profit 501 c6 public membership corporation, governed by a Board of Directors, funded through sponsorships and private funds. We cooperate with all other destination marketing agencies in Central Florida The other major destination like Orlando is Las Vegas—in terms of number of visitors and appeal of the concentration of attractions Las Vegas CVB has a sizable Diversity Division and budget to attract the LGBT traveler to their destination
- 3. Converge has a clear strategy Converge strategy to produce value for Orlando Attract first-time visitors (put Orlando in consideration) Extend the stay of current visitors Actively target conventions, conferences and groups Focus on amateur athletics & competitions
- 4. Why was Converge founded? Five percent of all travelers but represent 10% of all tourism expenditures— less impacted by national economic downturns We believe LGBT visitation can be significantly increased, especially during off-peak seasons
- 5. Orlando has a compelling story to tell LGBT visitors The market requires authentic and sensitive targeting Perception of “gay- friendliness” is the most important driver of visitation we can impact Assurance of personal safety and security is also important The OutServe Leadership Conference is great example of Converge’s unique contribution
- 6. Milestone One: We have launched the first LGBT travel insert with Visit Orlando 4-month print & online campaign generating 600,000+ impressions 225,000 print circulation Special targeting of Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, NY metro, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Toronto and drive markets
- 7. Future plans for Converge Orlando Participate in major LGBT travel trade shows and Pride events Create major Orlando presence in all gay travel guides Significantly increase the number of articles and references written about the Orlando gay travel experience Participate in organizations that promote LGBT travel and tourism
- 8. Milestone Two: New Website is officially launched today www.orlandogaytravel.com is reliable, comprehensive, unbiased and non-commercial Create a distinctive and exciting persona for Orlando Central Florida’s wonderful hotels, restaurants, attractions and experiences are interpreted for the LGBT traveler
- 9. 2018 Gay Games Previously hosted in San Francisco, Chicago, Amsterdam, Montreal, Cologne, Sydney, Vancouver, New York, Copenhagen and Antwerp Know competitors for 2018 include London and Las Vegas
- 10. $150+ million for the local economy 12,000+ Participants 200,000+ Attendees 80+ Countries Represented 10 Days Of Competition 40 Competing Sports 10 Outstanding Events