Special tour packages for same sex couples, though in demand here, still seem to be a distant dream. Here’s finding out why...
Rajesh (named changed) was very happy two years ago following the ruling by the Delhi high court that decriminalised the relationship between same sex couple.
It was hailed as a victory by the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community and also held as a ray of hope for many. But facts are stranger than fiction. Two years down the line, much has not changed. Efforts are still being made to integrate the LGBT community with the main stream by extending certain basic facilities to them.
Coming out of closet is the first challenge and once they overcome it, dealing with day to day problems is another. While worldwide LGBTs are acknowledged as connoisseurs of art and liberal spenders, they still have to face problems when it comes to travel, especially in India. However, the scene is slowly bettering with several tour operators open to the idea of taking on same sex couples as clienteles.
Heena Munshaw of Beacon Holidays said, “We can always make one. Although we are into tailor-made packages, we do sometimes create packages to suit the individual needs. We also cater to couple itineraries for few of our clients. However, I am not sure if they are received with open arms on group packages.”
Interestingly, gay tourism and special packages for them are a hit world wide. “There are companies at international level which specialize in gay tourism and have full knowledge of night bars and hotels in cities such as Cape Town and Sydney. Cape Town is also known as the “Pink City” and Sydney is known as “Middens”.
At times, even gay couples hesitate from coming out in open and ask for such facilities. “We have tailor made packages and have no problem to create and cater the needs of a gay couples. But I have never been approached with such a request,” added Heena. “We create packages to suit the needs of our client. The packages are more experience oriented and are customised to suit the budget of our client. It is not that you can’t sell family package to a gay couple. However, you end the trip with a honeymoon itinerary to suit their needs,” she said.
Beacon Holidays is not alone. Cox & Kings Ltd too seemed to be positive on the issue. “We are a tour operator and we get requests from clients all the time,” said Karan Anand of Cox & Kings Ltd. “We cater to all segments of travelers and do not categorise any one,” he added.
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