Last year Australia's  Tasmania’s Bay of Fires was named the world’s hottest travel destination by Lonely Planet.

Now the Apple Isle has been nominated in the number two spot for the world’s top nine emerging gay travel destinations, topped only by South America'sPunta del Este in Uruguay.


The list, compiled by Hotel Travel Club, looks at cities and regions not normally associated with gay travel and shines a rainbow spotlight on Nova Scotia, Indianapolis, Lisbon, Shanghai, Nashville, Mexico City, and San Luis Obispo County, California.


The Bay of Fires on Tasmania's North East Coast, extends from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point.  The Bay of Fires is a region of white beaches, blue water and orange hued granite (which is actually a lichen).

"Tassie" as the locals call it is a perfect place for an eco-adventure and nature trek. More than 25% of the island is National Parks or designated wilderness areas, and much of it is pristine and undiscovered by the growing mass of tourists.  

Clean and Green - This little piece of Eden is home to some of the finest food and wine on the planet and the local arts scene is truly happening. It's all about getting back to nature in Tasmania, Australia!

You won't see streets of gay bars and rainbow flags everywhere, but this state is super-gay friendly and attracting more and more  LGBT  tourists. And there are some gay owned B&Bs and resorts.

Homosexuality has had a sometimes turbulent history in Tasmania, but today, tolerance is expressed through the fact that Tasmania has the world's best relationship laws, and A PROACTIVE lesbian and gay tourism task force.
 
Many of Tasmania's tourism operators have taken part in workshops on sexual diversity. They recognise that, just like all other visitors, gay and lesbian travellers want an enjoyable and memorable holiday and want to feel genuinely welcome and accepted wherever they go in the state.

Tasmania does not have the population to support a big gay and lesbian 'scene', but the community is very active. There is a range of nightspots in Hobart and Launceston, and most operate on selected evenings.

Over in South America, Punta del Este in Uruguay is the current  #1 emerging gay vacation hot spot.

Hailed as the “Switzerland of the Americas”, the once undiscovered Uruguay is now a popular tourist destination. Its attractive cities, beautiful, laidback beaches, and the country’s overall affordability are enticing many suitors.

Wanderers and pensioners are beginning to cast lustful eyes towards this small South American country.

“Uruguay has a lot to offer and has become especially popular with retirees and those who work online,” said Elaine Herbert from Total Uruguay, a virtual meeting point for expatriates and travelers to the country. “Uruguay is small and therefore not overwhelming, safe and politically stable especially in the context of South America,” she said. “There are many beautiful beaches and coastal areas within easy reach of the cities.”

The area has variously been dubbed the St Tropez of South America, the Ibiza of Latin America and the Pearl of the Atlantic.

GAY TIMES UK reports that Punta can be a conservative place. It attracts families in the high season (December-March) and while most resorts and hotels are gay-friendly, public displays will almost certainly elicit curious stares. However, head to the gay beach, Chihuahua, and there are no limits.

Located a few miles from the centre of town, Chihuahua boasts miles of fine sand and beautiful freshwater lagoons, and attracts thousands of sun-worshippers during its short summer season. After 3pm, however, the crowds are less intense and the heat less oppressive – although some claim it has the freshest air in the world – and you’ll almost certainly be treated to one of its amazingly photogenic sunsets.

According to Carlos Melia, owner of the Buenos Aires-based gay travel agency, Pride Travel, Punta del Este “is becoming more popular as a gay destination because it’s the only beach resort in the southern part of the continent suitable for a gay crowd.

A typical visitor”, he says, “is middle- or upper-class, about 30 years old, and American.” That said, Punta has also been attracting a sizeable number of tourists from China, Korea, Spain and, more recently, the UK.
 
Whether they come for the gambling, the shops, to surf, or because they’ve grown tired of the usual European resorts, one sure thing is that there’s a growing tendency to combine a trip to Punta with a stop-off in Buenos Aires.

I have not had the luxury yet to witness either of these beautiful places - so if any readers have, we would love to hear your feedback!



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