The south pacific is an area with strong conservative view points. Due to the conservative nature of most of the islands and high religious influences gay and lesbian travellers have not always been welcomed with open arms. However this is changing due to more private resorts opening and generally more consumer demand.
The cruise ship option is often a good choice for the gay traveller. Targeted gay and lesbian cruises are offered by many of the cruise lines. The cruise ship market understood early the need to provide services to the pink market and they have been offering gay cruise timetables for a number of years. Cruising from island to island is a wonderful way to taste island cultures.
One island that has become much more friendly to the gay traveller is Vanuatu. This pacific paradise has opened a number of adult resorts where same sex couples are actively welcomed. They have also been proactively marketing devotion ceremonies for same sex couples as a romantic option.
Tahiti has undertaken a campaign this year to boost it’s participation in the gay travel market. Tahiti has avoided this segment of the market until now, but in May 2009 hosted their first rainbow party. The Tahitian tourist authority is keen to see high spending gay travellers.
Of the remainder of the pacific islands, Samoa is probably the most gay friendly. While much of the local culture is still quite traditional, the attitude to homosexuality is much more relaxed than other islands. The transgender fa’afafine tradition is a normal part of Samoan life.
While the pacific islands may seem a bit daunting for the gay traveller there are a number of viable options available. The islanders themselves are kind and generous people, the beaches unspoilt, and life is relaxed – ideal components for an enjoyable and successful gay vacation in the pacific islands.