Press Release
January 23, 2001
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Online gay and lesbian consumers are not only more likely to book travel online than their straight
counterparts, they also have more buying power, representing a lucrative niche market, according to Forrester Research,
Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR). In a recent study of online travelers, Forrester found that 41% of gays and lesbians had booked
travel on the Net compared with 28% of straight online consumers. The study also found that gay and lesbian Bookers
-- who account for 3.5% of online travelers and represent more than 5% of all online travel buyers -- will research
nearly $2.9 billion of travel online in 2001.
"At first glance, all online travel researchers look alike," said Henry H. Harteveldt, senior analyst
at Forrester. "But a closer look at the behavior of gay and lesbian travel Bookers reveals a potential gold
mine for travel marketers. According to our findings, compared with their straight counterparts, gay and lesbian
Bookers are better educated with higher incomes, are big fans of online shopping and new consumer technologies,
and are more willing to pay for premium services. Couple these demographics with a passion for travel, and you
have a marketer's dream audience."
Online gay and lesbian consumers who research travel on the Net are almost three years younger on average than
straight online travel consumers. However, in at least two meaningful ways the two groups are essentially the same
-- online research/shopping experience and leisure travel spending.
"In order to gain greater awareness among gays and lesbians, travel marketers must learn the nuances of this
niche audience, which is just as diverse as the mainstream," added Harteveldt. "Holding preconceived
ideas about the online gay and lesbian traveler will shortchange travel marketers' success, regardless of whether
they are a mainstream brand or one that serves this attractive niche market."
For the Consumer Technographics(R) 2000 Online Travel Study, Forrester surveyed more than 9,500 North American
households that travel for leisure at least once a year. Data is weighted to represent the online North American
population of leisure travelers.
Forrester Research is a leading independent Internet research firm, analyzing technology change and its impact
on business, consumers, and society. Forrester's "Whole View" of the Internet economy enables clients
to weave together Internet commerce initiatives with eBusiness technology to satisfy customers' changing needs.
Clients receive continuous research and analysis through Forrester eResearch(TM) Reports, an array of advisory
services, assessment tools, and topical events. Established in 1983, Forrester is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass.
Forrester's European Research Center is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, its UK Research Centre is located in
London, and its Research Center Deutschland is located in Frankfurt, Germany. Additional information about Forrester
Research can be found at www.forrester.com.
(c)2001, Forrester Research, Inc. Forrester, Forrester eResearch, and Technographics are trademarks of Forrester
Research, Inc.
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CONTACT:
Forrester Research, Inc. Tina Murphy 617-613-6025 press@forrester.com