Gay wedding bells ring for Portland's economy

Spokesman Review ^ | 03/06/2004 | Associated Press

[writer33]

Marriages of same-sex couples may lift tourism, other benefits

PORTLAND -- The phones are ringing at the Portland Oregon Visitors Association with inquiries from gay and lesbian couples interested in coming to the city to get married.

Multnomah County's decision earlier this week to allow same-sex marriage licenses may boost tourism and have other economic benefits as well for hotels, restaurants and even florists.

Although no one has numbers on the economic effect, restaurants and hotels in Vancouver, B.C., and San Francisco saw a sharp increase in business after officials started marrying same-sex couples.

Same-sex marriages give Portland the opportunity to showcase itself as a tolerant, welcoming community, said Joe D'Alessandro, chief executive of the visitors bureau. "We're unique," he said. "In the travel and tourism business, the wedding market is huge."

In other cities, the impact has been wide-ranging: A Macy's department store in San Francisco sold out of wedding ring sets.

But there also is a risk of backlash. Vancouver's visitors bureau received e-mails from those who oppose same-sex marriage, said Walt Judas, senior vice president of marketing communications for Tourism Vancouver.

"Whether that translates into a number of people staying away from the city it's hard to say," he said. "There are many reasons people go to a destination and many reasons why they stay away.

He added, however, that Vancouver got a great deal of publicity that portrayed it as a progressive city.

"The gay and lesbian market is a very affluent market that travels and is looking for gay-friendly destinations and certainly Vancouver was lauded and applauded as being one," he said.

[writer33]

"Although no one has numbers on the economic effect, restaurants and hotels in Vancouver, B.C., and San Francisco saw a sharp increase in business after officials started marrying same-sex couples."

Now that's what I'd call swinging econimic indicators. Ha!

But this statement is an oxymoron in itself. No numbers, but they're sure it has a impact on the economy.

[raloxk]

money over morality.

This is like Richard Florida propaganda, gay marriage is an economic boom

[writer33]

"This is like Richard Florida propaganda, gay marriage is an economic boom."

I know. It's not as if their are millions of people spending money to get married. Not only that, but you're right, it's all just spin.

[Paleo Conservative]

Oh what about all the tax money they'll suck up for AIDS treatments.

[JoJo Gunn]

I'm not about to register for a GLAAD press release.

[Revel]

Maybe someone should start making a list of all the citys and states across the US to start boycotting. Kill there tourism. Kill there college enrollment...ect.

[writer33]

How revellious of you. :)

[writer33]

"Oh what about all the tax money they'll suck up for AIDS treatments."

Paleo,

It's easy to see we've got to get you into diversity training right now. Those were harsh remarks. :) Just kidding! I like it. I like it alot.

[writer33]

Jo Jo,

You're not being diverse enough. Not sharing THEIR grief. Not understanding the torture they've had to go through. Oh, the insensitivity of it all. :) HA!

[Pahuanui]

Maybe someone should start making a list of all the citys and states across the US to start boycotting. Kill there tourism. Kill there college enrollment...ect.

Maybe someone should turn you in to the grammar police.

[B-Chan]

[writer33]

Yes. A swinging economy. :)

[Revel]

It looks like I already found them. So I guess your a gay supporter too. Otherwise you would have concentrated on the point I was trying to make. Now tell me what use your attack on me is to society ? Why don't you just go drink a six pack and watch a ball game.

[Pahuanui]

It looks like I already found them.

No. It looks like they've found you.

So I guess your a gay supporter too.

Newp. I neither support nor deny support to those who consider themselves 'gay'. There would be no point.

Otherwise you would have concentrated on the point I was trying to make.

No. The 'point' you were trying to make was so transparently hollow, so devoid of rhetorical substance, as to beg the response that I posted.

Now tell me what use your attack on me is to society ?

Hint: I did not attack you, and you have yet to define what 'society' is in order for me to reply to you in a substanative manner.

Why don't you just go drink a six pack and watch a ball game.

I don't drink and I don't watch sports.

[foreverfree]

Spokesman Review .. Spokane, WA's newspaper.

foreverfree

[writer33]

"Spokesman Review .. Spokane, WA's newspaper."

Yep. They print some AP articles as well, but most of it is there stuff. And yes, they're liberal. I bet you're not surprised.