Mexico Woos Gay Tourists

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