Atlantic City Courting Gay Tourism Market

Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.

Atlantic City is planning a series of events to attract gay tourists, who are becoming an increasingly important part of the resort's growth strategy.

Mayor Don Guardian and tourism officials will outline the plans at a news conference Monday afternoon.

Events include Sand Blast, a 3-day beach party weekend in July targeted to the gay community; the StandOUT Expo, a business-to-business networking event in September for the LGBT community, and the Miss'd America Pageant, a drag spoof of the famous pageant, also in September.

The mayor also will dedicate a gay-friendly beach in Atlantic City.

The resort is trying to broaden its appeal beyond a gambling mecca by emphasizing restaurants, shops, nightclubs, spas and other attractions.


by Jason St. Amand , National News Editor

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