A national survey released today conducted by the Travel Industry Association (TIA), in partnership with Harris Interactive and Witeck-Combs Communications Inc. shed light on preferences in gay and lesbian travel. This study is considered the first of its kind because it closely examines the activities and preferences of GLBT travelers in contrast with heterosexual travelers. Nearly half of all gay men and lesbians surveyed in the U.S. say that a destination's gay-friendliness is important to them when making leisure travel choices. In addition, majorities of gay men (53 percent) and lesbians (69 percent) report that a place generally identified as safe and free from intimidation and threats is one of the top three ways they consider a destination as gay-friendly. Positive word of mouth is a key consideration for both gays and lesbians, and gay men and lesbians also cite "gay nightlife, gay clubs and bars" as one of their top three considerations for gay friendliness. The top five gay-friendly U.S. destinations are San Francisco, CA, Key West, FL, New York, NY, Fire Island, NY, and Provincetown, MA. For information on purchasing the survey, contact Valerie Hutchinson, TIA, 202-218-3630 or [email protected]. (MR)