Logo, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks , announced today that TripOutGayTravel.com, its comprehensive travel site dedicated to the LGBT traveler and MTV Network’s first stand-alone, travel-focused site, will present its second annual “TripOut Gay Travel Awards.” The awards will once again honor the most stylish, exciting and hottest destinations and services that attract, pamper and market to the LGBT traveler.

The “TripOut Gay Travel Awards” returns this year honoring new nominees, returning favorites and former winners – all vying to earn the reputation as “gay approved.” Additionally, voters this year will now have the option to share their picks via social networking. Voters can log-in through their Facebook or Twitter accounts to choose their favorites, which will then alert and encourage a voter’s friends or followers to sound-off on which nominees deserve such intriguing titles as “Sexiest Place on Earth,” “Best Breakout Destination,” “Ultimate Luxury Hotel” and “Best Gay Bar in the World”.

“LGBT consumers, their families and friends are aficionados when it comes to using social media and traveling the globe,” said John Polly, Editor-in-Chief of TripOutGayTravel.com, “It will be exciting to see how the results may change now that voter’s can share their choices through social media with family and friends.”

This year’s nominees will generate buzz in the travel industry with the following trends found:

–  Chicago and London each received two nominations, gaining momentum as premier LGBT travel destinations. Both received a nomination for “Best Gay Bar” while Chicago received “Best U.S. Destination” and London received “Best Global Destination.”

–  Tel Aviv continues to become one of the top global travel destinations for gays and lesbians with its nominations (“Sexiest Place on Earth”
and “Best Breakout Destination”).

–  Las Vegas continues to be a popular destination for the gay and lesbian community with its two nominations (“Best U.S. Destination” and “Sexiest Place on Earth”). In addition, a Las Vegas resort (SkyLofts at MGM Grand) is nominated for “Best Luxury Hotel/Resort.”

–  Dallas is also another burgeoning destination with its nominations for “Best Breakout Destination” and “Best Gay Bar” (The Round-Up Saloon).

In addition to honoring this year’s best in LGBT travel and tourism, TripOutGayTravel.com will honor Charles Lapointe of Tourisme Montreal with the “The Gay+ Award for Achievement in Making Our World Gayer.” The award goes to an organization or travel professional who has increased awareness of the LGBT consumer in the world of travel, tourism and hospitality. Charles Lapointe is a former delegate to the United Nations, a former Canadian Cabinet Minister and since 1989 he has been President and CEO of the Greater Montreal Convention and Tourism Bureau (Tourisme Montreal). In 2002, he also became Chairman of the Canadian Tourism Commission. Charles can aptly be described as a forefather and architect of Canadian and Montreal LGBT travel.

“I have always believed in the importance of gay travel around the world, and have made it a point to continuously highlight the tremendous impact it could have on our city’s tourism industry,” said the Honorable Charles Lapointe, President and CEO of Tourisme Montreal. “After many years of promoting Montreal as a top gay-friendly destination, and having seen such positive results, I am extremely honored and thrilled to receive this award.”

TripOutGayTravel.com recruited an academy of seasoned writers, editors and travel experts covering the LGBT travel market to comprise this year’s list of nominations. However, it is up to the site’s readers and fans to determine who deserves the title for the best gay destination, tour operator or hospitality service. Travel enthusiasts can vote for their favorites beginning today on TripOutGayTravel.com and the results will be announced in early November.

As a proud partner of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), TripOutGayTravel.com showcases only the most trusted sources for gay travel planning. The site delivers a new style that creates a best-in-breed gay travel planning experience.

For more information about the nominees listed below, please go to TripOutGayTravel.com. A full list of nominees and winners for each category is listed below.

Nominees for the Second Annual “TripOut Gay Travel Awards”:
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Best Global Destination (City or Country)
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Berlin, Germany
Buenos Aires, Argentina
London, United Kingdom
Madrid, Spain
Montreal, Canada
New York City, United States

Best U.S. Destination
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Chicago, IL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Philadelphia, PA
Provincetown, MA
San Francisco, CA

Best Airline
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American
Delta
JetBlue
LAN
Southwest
Virgin America

Best Hotel Chain (Collection)
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Ace Hotels (Palm Springs)
Andaz Hotels
Axel Hotels
Four Seasons
Hyatt
Kimpton

Best LGBT Tour Operator
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Alyson Adventures
Atlantis
Olivia
Out Adventures
Sweet
Zoom Vacations

Best Annual Gay Destination (Party or Event)
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Amsterdam Gay Pride
The Dinah & Dinah Shore Weekend, Palm Springs
Madrid Gay Pride
Manchester Pride
Provincetown Bear Week
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras

Best Ultimate Luxury Hotel/Resort (Global)
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SkyLofts at MGM Grand – Las Vegas, NV
The Raleigh – South Beach, Miami, FL
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome – Paris, France
The London, West Hollywood – West Hollywood, CA
Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino – Curacao, Dutch West Indies
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Bangkok, Thailand

Best Breakout Destination
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Dallas, TX
Mexico City, Mexico
Reykjavik, Iceland
Tel Aviv, Israel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sexiest Place on Earth
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Barcelona, Spain
Key West. FL
Las Vegas, NV
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tel Aviv, Israel
Palm Springs, CA

Best Gay Bar in the World
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The Abbey, Los Angeles, CA
Club Manana, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Roscoe’s, Chicago, IL
The Round-Up Saloon, Dallas, TX
Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London, UK
The Week, Rio/Sao Paulo/Florianopolis, Brazil

The Gay+ Award for Achievement in Making our World Gayer
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Charles Lapointe, Tourisme Montreal