It is promising to see an increase in travel intentions and travel budgets this year - now more than ever, it will be important for travel companies to continue to reach out to this important consumer segment. 

With the U.S. and global economy gradually coming back to life – and with spending and travel habits under the spotlight during the summer months ahead, a new national survey conducted online by Harris Interactive and Witeck Combs Communications shows an increase in travel intentions among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. 

Not only are gay Americans more likely to travel in 2012 than this year, those who are traveling are planning to spend more money. LGBT adults report on average they are likely to spend about $1,300 for their leisure (while during the same time period last in 2011, the average planned travel expenditure was $1,058) 

Make no mistake; gay households, like all others, are experiencing real changes in their household budgets, plans and travel expectations. Coming out of the past economic downturn has been costly for all consumers, including LGBT travelers. We see their resilience and desire to travel again this year as evidence of more optimism combined with their ingrained travel habits and needs. 

Among LGBT adults, more than 7 out of 10 (72%) plan to increase (12%) or maintain (60%) the number of weekend leisure trips. Three-quarters (75%) indicate that their leisure trips will be longer (2%) or the same length as compared to last year (73%).