| "Gay Mexico City is coming of age"
Exclusive Interview with Matt Skallerud President
of IGLTA
[25.08.2007]: "La
Ciudad de México Gay está madurando"
Entrevista
Exclusiva con Matt Skallerud - Presidente de IGLTA sobre la Ciudad
de México como un destino gay-friendly y sobre el futuro del Mercado Rosa
en general... más
MEXICO CITY, 24/08/2007 (LIOWLB/Enkidu Magazine): Global Gay and
Lesbian Tourism is booming and now the city authorities of Mexico City
have finally discovered the growing importance of this market segment. Matt
Skallerud, President of IGLTA ((International Gay and Lesbian Travel
Association), was in Mexico last week, signing an
agreement (a "Strategic Alliance") with Alejandra Barrales, Minister of
Tourism in the Federal District (Mexico City). IGLTA is the world's
leading travel trade association committed gay and lesbian tourism and
Lars Ivar Owesen-Lein Borge, general director of Enkidu Magazine have
interviewed Matt Skallerud about Mexico City as a gay-friendly destination
and the future of the Pink Market in general.
LIOWLB: What are, in your opinion, the
advantages of Mexico City as a tourist destination?
MS: Mexico City is one of the few cities
in North and South America with a strong European flavor... Of course more
on the Spanish side of European culture, but European nonetheless. The
only other city I find with such dynamism is Buenos Aires. With that
culture comes some of the best restaurants, museums, nightlife and more
one would come to expect from a first class city.
LIOWLB:. Do you perceive of Mexico City as
a gay-friendly destination?
MS: Yes, I do.
LIOWLB:.Why?
MS: It seems that Mexico City is coming of
age, so to speak, in terms of its acceptance of gays and lesbians. I do
understand from talking with locals that outside of the Zona Rosa most gay
people are still hesitant to hold hands in public, etc., but in general,
that's the way life is in most cities in North and South America as well.
Also, the number of gay establishments available to gays & lesbians,
as well as a growing local GLBT business networking climate, seems to
indicate that Mexico City is definitely on a strong path towards greater
acceptance of gays & lesbians and thus a more and more welcoming gay
friendly destination.
LIOWLB:. How long have you stayed in
Mexico City, and what are your impressions of the city?
MS: I stayed a week, and the last time I
was in the city was 14 years ago. Gay life has grown a lot in those 14
years.
LIOWLB:. Have you had any opportunity to
experience the gay scene of the city? What were your impressions?
MS: I thought it was fantastic. There was
a different scene every night of the week... Something to be expected in a
city so large, vibrant and dynamic.
LIOWLB:.. You are a highly successful
pioneer in the development of internet sites focusing on the gay &
lesbian market segment, and we would therefore like to ask you how do you
perceive the future of the global "pink market" in general? How
do you think the gay and lesbian market will develop in the future?
MS: Yes, absolutely. Once a market can be
defined and established by any media, be that television, print or
Internet, there will always be more and more pioneering companies seeking
to reach that market through these media.
LIOWLB:. What are the characteristics of
the gay and lesbian consumer community today? What makes this consumer
community "different" from straight consumers?
MS: I've heard this said many times during
my stay in Mexico City - "Straight by Day, Gay by Night". It's
cute. But it shows what we all know... That gay & lesbian travelers
are as diverse as any other traveler. Some wish to go to museums... Others
to beaches... Others perhaps come to go shopping. The one thing we all
have in common is the social side of our character, which happens to be
gay in this case. So we enjoy socializing and meeting other gay people,
whether that is in a restaurant, a bar or any other GLBT social setting.
LIOWLB:. Mexican companies are still
extremely hesitant to advertise and participate both in the local
Diversity Press as well as in Community events like the Pride Parade. What
is your advise to Mexican companies that consider approaching this market
segment, but still have not taken the step?
MS: They will usually be hesitant because
they are concerned about possible backlash by more conservative segments
of their consumer demographic. I think they'll find that although there
could be some initial backlash, they will find that the positives of
making outreach to the GLBT consumer (double income, no kids) will far
outweigh any small negatives that the more conservative consumers may
throw their way.
LIOWLB:. Will you come back to Mexico City
to follow up to the recent agreement with the city authorities?
MS: I would
like to come back before Christmas for sure... Just trying to pick the
right dates.
LIOWLB:. Thank you very much.
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