Lauderdale Wants Gay Honeymooners

Fort Lauderdale tourism officials are hoping that New Yorkers will consider South Florida when it comes to making honeymoon plans. Therefore, they've launched a contest.

Just in time for New York's first gay marriages set for Sunday, Greater Fort Lauderdale is launching a contest for gay newlyweds a chance to win honeymoon packages at The Royal Palms Resort & Spa or The Atlantic Resort & Spa. The 62-room Royal Palms offers a winning couple a five-night stay, a couples massage, chocolate strawberries, rainbow roses, plus dinner for two at G.G.'s, with a wine flight and special cake dessert. The Atlantic Resort & Spa, a 124-room luxury hotel overlooking the ocean, offers a contest winner a three-night stay in an ocean-view studio with private balcony, kitchenette and marble bathroom, plus a couples massage, two welcome cocktails and if available, a room upgrade.

More people already visit Florida from New York than from any other state.

Rainbow Falls

In order to highlight what they predict will be booming gay marriage tourism, city officials in Niagara Falls say they are working to have the falls illuminated in the colors of the rainbow on the first days of legalized same-sex unions.

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said “This event, which will highlight Niagara Falls on an international level as a premier wedding and honeymoon destination, will serve as a tremendous economic shot in the arm for not only the area’s hotels and attractions, but for the florists, bakeries and restaurants throughout the city.” Dyster said. “Those who come here will see the efforts made by this administration in reinventing our downtown tourist district and be welcomed into a city that will once again reclaim its title as the honeymoon capital of the world.”