Greece: tourism losses prompt change

The Greek Government has signalled that it will recognise same-sex civil unions in a bid to attract more gay and lesbian tourists to the country in the face of mounting financial woes.

Tourism is Greece’s largest industry and the global pink tourist pie is estimated to be worth more than $140 billion a year.

Gay and lesbian tourists have been moving away from the traditional gay travel meccas of Mykonos and Lesbos in recent years, according to OutNow Consulting, a global firm specialising in marketing to the LGBTI community.

Tourism makes up 16 percent of the Greek economy.

“Rights do not cost much in terms of finances, but they do a lot to promote the countries that adopt them,” co-chairman of the European branch of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, Martin Christensen said.