There is good news for lesbian women and gay men planning Caribbean vacations. During the spring break season of 2007, the Key West Business Guild plans to host an exciting new event for gay men and lesbian women. The event is Gay Spring Break, and it will be running until the end of April, 2007. The Guild hopes to make this gay travel celebration an annual event.

Gay Spring Break is expected to attract thousands of lesbian women and gay men by the end of this year's festivities. There are over 150 gay-friendly events for gay and lesbian spring breakers. Gay Spring Break is drawing many gay and lesbian student leaders, so there are also be activities that allow for networking and leadership development among young gay and lesbian people.

There have long been spring break parties for straight travelers, and now there is a gay-friendly spring break celebration. Gay Spring Break features six weeks of gay-friendly beach celebrations, dance parties, drag shows, men-only and women-only events, meet-and-greets, contests and recreational activities. The gay and lesbian travel event runs throughout Key West's Caribbean beaches and the surrounding barrier reef for six weeks in February, March and April. 

 "Spring break is a yearly tradition for college students around the world," said Ian Whitney, chairman of New Events for the Key West Business Guild. He is also one of Gay Spring Break's organizers and a resident of the beach paradise. He explained why this event is so important for gay travel. "Key West has long been rated as the top gay spring break destination.  This year, gay business leaders decided to take spring break to the next level by featuring a series of events geared towards young gay women and men and their friends that will make this one of the nation's hottest gay parties."

"Gay Spring Break is not just for college kids," added Whitney. "We are reaching out to all young gay men and gay women, the circuit party crowd, and all others who enjoy the types of events that we are planning, good music, palm trees, nightlife, fun people, and all of the many things that Key West has to offer." Gay Spring Break in Key West has no age limit, so both young couples and lesbian older women are welcome. The gay travel celebration runs during the height of Key West's tourist season, so a diverse group of gay and lesbian travel enthusiasts are present. Gay Spring Break events are open to anyone, not just younger gay women and men.

"This event is unique in that it will introduce the next generation of gay and lesbian tourists to events and facilities that specifically cater to them.  Key West is excited to play such an important role in the development of the gay and lesbian tourism market," said Steve Smith, President of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

Key West is already a destination for gay travel, and offers many specific gay and lesbian accommodations. There are many gay and lesbian friendly restaurants and bars on the island. Key West has also been rated as the top gay spring break destination by many gay travel Web sites.