Florida 'Gay Days' Expected To Bring In $100 Million
Pastor Dale Morgan
Florida 'Gay Days' Expected To Bring In $100 Million*
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The annual Gay Days event is expected to bring 150,000
people into Orlando. The event caused a lot of controversy when it was
first held in Orlando 19 years ago, but now organizers say Orlando's
tourism industry is supporting it like never before.
An estimated $100 million is expected to be generated thanks to the Gay
Days event. Gay Days has grown from a one day event to a week long event.
About 3,000 people showed up for the event it’s first year. Now, an
estimated 150,000 people are expected to fill Central Florida, bars,
theaters, malls, restaurants and theme parks.
In the past, finding sponsorship was a problem.
Are you having the problem any more?" asked WFTV reporter Q McCray.
"No we're not," replied Alexander-Manley.
As a result, a number of big-time attractions are looking to get a piece
of the pie. Universal Studios Blue Man Group and Sea World's Discovery
Cove are now sponsors of the event for the first time. Organizers say
they know why.
"With the economy stalling, you go after the market that has disposable
income. More disposable income for vacation,” said VP of Gay Days Inc.
Chris Alexander-Manley.
Blue Man Group told Eyewitness News, "We recognize that Gay Days is a
significant annual event in Central Florida and we appreciate the
support that participants have shown Blue Man Group."
"I've been saving for this since last year. It's definitely an event
where you spend a lot of money," said visitor Jason Boglio.
Boglio said he spent some of his cash at the Gay Days Expo at the Royal
Plaza Hotel. The vendors solicited potential new customers. Brianne
Davidowicz was one of them and says she recommends the event to everyone.
"You don't have to be gay or lesbian you can just come and have fun,"
she said.
Gay Days event goes on until Sunday, June 6.