As Mexico's tourism industry is threatened by recent drug cartel violence, officials are eyeing a new tourist block: same-sex honeymooners.
Mexico's highlighting the honeymoon of the first couple married under Argentina's new law allowing gay marriage, who are treated to an all-expenses-paid vacation in Mexico City.
Mexico City has an office specifically for recruiting gay tourists.
"We are a very tolerant, liberal, avant-garde city," tourism secretary Alejandro Rojas told CNN.
Officials hope to train hotels and restaurants on sensitivity and create maps with gay-friendly attractions. An international gay tourism conference is also on the table.
After Mexico City approved a gay marriage law last year, conservatives are pushing for laws banning same-sex nuptials. Earlier this week, the Council of Catholic Analysts of Mexico encouraged a boycott of Mexico City.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travelers spend $63 billion traveling annually in the U.S. alone, CNN reported.
Sources: CNN, Catholic News Agency
Photo: Newshopper, gay rights activists in Mexico City
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