Britain Takes on Rainbow Colors

The British Tourist Authority has jumped into the gay travel market with both feet, following countries such as the Netherlands and Australia that have long courted that community.

The BTA has issued a new 20-page brochure, “Britain: You Don’t Know the Half of It,” studded with color photos of hugging and hand-holding gay male and lesbian couples gazing at Big Ben, riding the Brighton Beach carousel and generally touring around. The free brochure can be ordered by calling toll-free (877)-UK-RAINBOW. There’s also a new “Gay & Lesbian London Line” for information about that city; it can be dialed only within England and is included in the brochure.

In the U.S., a new discount card from a start-up Los Angeles firm, Access Alliance, also targets the gay traveler, claiming to offer 10% off at National Car Rental, 20% savings on dining, discounts on gay ski weeks, and other benefits in return for a $20 annual fee. Information: tel. (800) 693-2349.