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.
The island of Vanuatu has become a more welcoming gay destination over the last five years. The opening of a number of adult only resorts welcoming same sex couples has been a boost. There is also a strong market in offering devotion ceremonies for gay couples. These are not legally binding but can be a romantic vacation experience.
Tahiti in French Polynesia has not been a particularly active in marketing itself to the gay traveller. However recognising they were losing out on the gay tourist dollar they hosted a rainbow parade for the first time in 2009.
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.
Visiting the pacific islands as a gay traveler can be a wonderful experience.
Tags: gay cruise, gay samoa, gay travel market, gay travel south pacific, gay travel tahiti