1) Grassroots Record Group to World Travel Leader 

Olivia started in 1973, when a group of women gathered in a Washington D.C. living room and discussed launching a record label. Olivia was born. Over the next 20 years, founder Judy Dlugacz and her team sold millions of albums by Meg Christian, Cris Williamson and other groundbreaking women's artists. In 1990, Olivia's first "concert on a cruise" featured top headliners and the event's popularity inspired Olivia Travel, which has since taken 150,000 women on more than 170 trips worldwide. The company's annual revenues reached $20 million by 2006, when Dlugacz was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Today, Olivia is a $30 million company and the world's premier provider of lesbian cruise, resort, adventure and luxury vacations.

2)  Why Olivia?

With so many tour options, why do lesbians choose Olivia over mainstream vacations? For starters, Olivia provides impeccable service by supplementing existing cruise and resort staff with its own team members, who not only provide excellent guest services, but also organize activities (think pool games, the Oldywed/Newlywed Game, singles' mixers, a commitment ceremony and more). Olivia also customizes entertainment and activities to the lesbian community. In addition, the company offers rare wildlife adventures and unique opportunities for local interactions - from service projects in select host countries to ambassadorial roles in destinations unfamiliar with the lesbian travel market. Thanks to impressive programs for singles and women of color, solo travelers and guests of all backgrounds feel welcome. And, most importantly, the company charters entire cruise ships and resorts. That means lesbians can expect a safe, comfortable environment filled with like-minded individuals.

3) Lesbian Travel Trends

A 2011 survey lists Europe as a top destination for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travelers, as Olivia's new Ireland & Scotland British Isles and Italy, Croatia & Greece cruises confirm. Beach destinations and all-inclusive journeys are popular, as are experiential trips and voluntourism. Many lesbians choose budget-friendly travel so that they can afford more vacations. On average, lesbian and bisexual women took 3.3 leisure vacations in the last year - and Olivia is at the forefront of that trend, with 99 percent of past guests planning to take another trip with the company.

4) Economic Power of Lesbian Travel

During Out & Equal's 2012 Global LGBT Workplace Summit in London, Olivia Founder Judy Dlugacz spoke about the LGBT community's economic impact. She's seen a major shift in the past 23 years, particularly during Olivia Travel's development. In the early days, few companies would charter ships to lesbians. Today, however, Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Holland America, National Geographic, Club Med, Hard Rock Hotels and Visa are among well-known brands that regularly partner with Olivia..In 2000, four major Istanbul newspapers covered the economic impact of a single Olivia Cruise, crediting guests for rescuing the lagging Turkish economy by spending more than half a million dollars in one port stopover day. A 2011 survey estimated that LGBT tourism generates $65 billion a year in the U.S. alone. Additional statistics are available from Olivia.

5) Advocacy and Political Influence

For more than four decades, Olivia Founder and CEO Judy Dlugacz has been a leader in the LGBT community. Her success positions her as a thoughtful advocate, political influencer and knowledgeable resource. In fact, she is considered one of the foremost experts on lesbian history. Dlugacz frequently presents nationally and globally, including at Out & Equal's 2012 Global LGBT Workplace Summit. In 2012, Dlugacz was appointed to the LGBT Leadership Council for President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.

6) Budget-Friendly Vacations

Olivia makes travel affordable with value-packed cruise, resort and luxury journeys that feature convenient cost-cutting options. Early-bird discounts offer up-front savings, and budget-conscious guests save more by booking an interior cabin on Olivia cruises. Solo travelers can avoid a single's surcharge by being paired with a roommate or finding one through Olivia's online community. Military discounts and deals for groups of six or more are available on select trips. Flexible payment plans let travelers spread payments over several months leading up to a trip, and partnerships with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines entitle Olivia guests to as much as seven percent off the cost of flights.

7) Advances in LGBT Rights

Though advocates for LGBT equality are making progress, work continues. California's proposition 8, an amendment that eliminated the rights of same-sex couples to marry, was declared unconstitutional by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in February 2012. Still, same-sex marriages are barred pending further appeals. Globally, 76 countries consider homosexuality to be illegal. In five countries (Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen), same-sex conduct is even punishable by death. A 2011 United Nations report detailed incidences of violence, detention, torture and discrimination based on victims' real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Olivia Founder and CEO Judy Dlugacz and her colleagues are frequently called to comment upon these issues and can provide perspective related to both progress and challenges.

8) Diverse Vacations for a Diverse Audience

Olivia Travel has welcomed women from ages 21 to 99, and those from various ethnic, socio-economic, geographic and religious backgrounds. The company's pioneering Sisters at Sea (on cruises) and Sisters at Play (at resorts) programs gather women of color for special meet-and-greet events and activities and also honors women who serve/have served in the military. Olivia also celebrates diversity with onboard film festivals, impressive entertainers and memorable excursions.

9) Travel with a Purpose
For more than two decades, Olivia has been a global humanitarian leader, both within the LGBT community and beyond. Guests have donated school supplies to needy students in the Amazon, sponsored education for young women in Africa, supported environmental efforts in the Galapagos Islands and raised disaster relief funds from Haiti to Huatulco,  Mexico. Guided by a strong charitable vision and a dedication to doing good, the Olivia family
inspires change worldwide through its Olivia Gives program.

MEDIA CONTACT
Catherine Boire
T +1 707 255 5997
E cbpr@olivia.com