The Equality Network working in partnership with the Scottish Government and Visit Scotland carried out important research into the needs of LGBT tourists to Scotland.

‘Wish You Were Here – The Scottish LGBT Travel Report’ is the first report of its kind in Scotland to look at the views and needs of LGBT travellers to Scotland, the report author hopes the research will help the tourism industry better meet the needs of LGBT tourists.

The report shows that despite 77% saying that they consider Scotland an LGBT Friendly destination, only 3% said Scotland comes to mind first when thinking about LGBT destinations around the world, demonstrating the need to do more to promote Scotland as an LGBT travel destination.

The report includes a number of significant findings:

As result of the research the charity has made a number of recommendations:

• Scotland’s tourism sector can and should do more to explicitly market Scotland as an LGBT friendly travel destination, extending a welcome to LGBT travellers.
• Travel resources should be created to encourage LGBT travel to Scotland, providing LGBT specific information and explaining how progressive and welcoming Scotland is as a destination.
• LGBT travellers should be made aware of the law on equal access to services and more examples of LGBT friendly accommodation in rural parts of Scotland.
• Scotland should take advantage of new same-sex marriage legislation and promote itself as a same-sex marriage destination.

You can download a full copy of the report here.