Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau Announces Launch of New Website Portal Serving the LGBT Community Featuring Tempe Hotels, Restaurants and Shopping Recommendations

Tempe, Arizona January 29, 2007 – The Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.tempecvb.com) has just unveiled (http://www.lgbtintempe.com), the all-new website portal for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT community) travelers. The Tempe LGBT website offers listings of Tempe hotels, restaurants, shopping options, attractions, an event calendar and a form to request a Tempe visitor’s packet. From the portal, LGBT community visitors can also search for accommodations in Tempe, Arizona including properties that are TAG Approved ®.

The TAG Approved ® Hotels program is an endorsement of a hotel’s interest in reaching out to the LGBT community. There are currently seven Tempe hotels that have been TAG Approved ® after completing diversity training: Tempe Mission Palms, AmeriSuites Tempe/Arizona Mills, Marriott TownePlace Suites, Springhill Suites by Marriott Phoenix/Tempe-Airport, Best Western Inn of Tempe at ASU, Courtyard by Marriott Tempe Downtown and Residence Inn by Marriott-Tempe.

The new website portal (http://www.lgbtintempe.com) will allow LGBT community visitors to preview their trip to Tempe, Arizona. With more than 330 days of sunshine every year, Tempe offers a blend of cosmopolitan culture, style and scenic desert beauty. Tempe, Arizona is a vibrant city with assets that appeal to a diverse mix of travelers. In this pedestrian-friendly city, set in the center of metropolitan Phoenix, LGBT community visitors will find an eclectic mix of arts & culture, unique dining experiences, exciting special events and a constant buzz of activity in the Mill Avenue District. Mill Avenue is home to over 100 unique shops, tasty restaurants, theaters and exciting nightlife options.

Tempe Town Lake, Tempe hotels and Arizona State University (ASU) are a short walk from Mill Avenue. Arizona State University (ASU) is home to more than 20 free museums and galleries. ASU Gammage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, annually sets the stage for some of Broadway’s biggest shows. ASU is the first university nationwide to officially recognize both a gay fraternity, Sigma Phi Beta, and lesbian sorority, Gamma Rho Lambda. The City of Tempe and ASU have also both adopted nondiscrimination policies towards the LGBT community.

Tempe, Arizona is the ideal travel destination for members of the LGBT community. Located in the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan area, it is the perfect starting point for any Arizona adventure. Tempe is the hub for long and short excursions in the Southwest, easily accessible via four freeways and just 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

For more information, please contact the Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-283-6734 or http://www.lgbtintempe.com and request a free LGBT community brochure and visitors guide.

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About Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization devoted to marketing Tempe, Arizona as a desirable visitor and group destination site. The Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau’s mission is to also provide visitors, media professionals and meeting planners with information on TAG Approved ® Tempe hotels, Tempe restaurants, Tempe entertainment, and local points of interest. To learn more about Tempe, Arizona please call 480-894-8158 or 800-283-6734 or visit us at (http://www.tempecvb.com).