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Assessing Gay Men and Lesbian Women's Hotel Experiences: An Exploratory Study of Sexual Orientation in the Travel Industry

Department of Hotel and Tourism Management, School of Management, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, in Beer-Sheva, Israelyporia{at}som.bgu.ac.il

This study examines the hotel experiences of gay men and lesbians, using qualitative interviews of 54 self-identified lesbians and gay men in the United Kingdom and Israel. The findings show that participants are highly affected by the symbolic meanings they assign to specific elements of the hotel experience. Results indicate that it is important for gay men and lesbians to feel accepted and welcome when their sexual orientation is known. Specifically, they wish to be treated in the same way they believe heterosexuals are treated. Critical elements of the hotel experience focus on the behavior of hotel staff, hotel attributes, and the environment of the hotel. The findings may assist in shaping service provision for, and service delivery to, lesbians and gay men.

Key Words: gay • sbian • sexuality • hotel experience

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