Traditionally the islands of the South Pacific have not been a favourite destination for gay travel. Conservative cultures have been somewhat reluctant to welcome homosexual travellers and they have gained a bad reputation. However this attitude is slowly changing and more islands are offering more gay friendly options.
The cruise ship option is often a good choice for the gay traveller. Targeted gay and lesbian cruises are offered by many of the cruise lines. The cruise ship market understood early the need to provide services to the pink market and they have been offering gay cruise timetables for a number of years. Cruising from island to island is a wonderful way to taste island cultures.
One island that has become much more friendly to the gay traveller is Vanuatu. This pacific paradise has opened a number of adult resorts where same sex couples are actively welcomed. They have also been proactively marketing devotion ceremonies for same sex couples as a romantic option.
Tahiti has until recently been a low key player in the gay travel market. However in May 2009 Tahiti held it’s first rainbow party as part of a campaign to attract more gay tourists to the island recognising the economic benefits.
Of the other Pacific islands perhaps the most gay friendly are the islands of Samoa and American Samoa. While these islands remain staunchly conservative about most areas of life they are more accepting of homosexuality than other islands in the Pacific. Much of this can be traced back to the traditional practice of Fa’afafine, transgender living accepted as a normal choice.
While the pacific islands may seem a bit daunting for the gay traveller there are a number of viable options available. The islanders themselves are kind and generous people, the beaches unspoilt, and life is relaxed - ideal components for an enjoyable and successful gay vacation in the pacific islands.
Tags: gay cruise, gay samoa, gay travel market, gay travel south pacific, gay travel tahiti
