New York's tourism industry is expecting a huge boost with the state's newly approved same-sex marriage legislation coming into effect on July 24.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg will launch "NYC I Do," a campaign to build on the law's passage by selling the city as a gay-wedding destination.
The city's tourism website already includes a Q&A about the new law and highlights hotels advertising gay wedding specials. Le Parker Meridien, which offers a "Love Has No Boundaries/Born This Way" wedding package, with a ceremony and reception for 100 people for $25,000.
A report last month from New York's Senate Independent Democratic Conference estimated the state would earn nearly $400 million over the next three years from gay and lesbian couples getting married, including tourism, weddings, sales-tax revenue and wedding license fees.
The report estimated that 21,309 resident gay and lesbian couples would get married over the three years, as well as another 45,000 who would come to New York from surrounding states or other places for destination weddings.
This really hits. It's getting great that tourist now has correlation to identity awareness. Well, that's real good.
Posted by: Travel Clinic Lancaster | 10/04/2011 at 04:57 AM
This is good news. No more humiliation.
Posted by: Rocio R. | 11/21/2011 at 04:12 AM
I'm sure it will help promote New York as a more 'gay-friendly' travel destination, which should definately increase the number of couples planning a USA vacation, to make them consider New York as a destination option.
Posted by: Lovin' New York | 03/21/2012 at 11:33 PM