GAY PIONEERS MERGE

Alyson Adventures and Hanns Ebensten Travel join under one roof

Sasha Alyson broke new ground in gay publishing, and later in gay adventure travel. Hanns Ebensten offered the first gay vacations. Now, companies founded by the two men have merged under one roof.

Two pioneering names in gay business, came together under the same roof this month with the merger of Hanns Ebensten Travel, and Alyson Adventures. Hanns Ebensten Travel, the first Tour Company to market specifically to gay men, and Alyson Adventures, a pioneer in adventure and outdoor vacations, will make their joint headquarters in Key West, Florida.

In 1972, Hanns Ebensten led a whitewater rafting trip down the Grand Canyon for gay men, setting in motion what would soon become a multi-million dollar industry. His company was the first ever to advertise openly gay trips. Ebensten was also the first to lead a group of tourists to Easter Island. Now under the direction of President Philip Sheldon, the company continues to offer unusual tours for gay men, women and friends.

In 1980, Sasha Alyson created Alyson Publications, known for its controversial children's books, Daddy's Roommate and Heather Has Two Mommies. After selling the publishing house, now the largest US publisher of gay books, he founded Alyson Adventures in 1995, with a focus on biking, hiking, and other active vacations for gay men and lesbians.

Philip Sheldon, President and Owner of Hanns Ebensten Travel, will assume responsibility as CEO of both companies. Alyson will continue to lead the companies' new business as Director of Development. Sheldon remarked, "With this merger, we will be able to offer our clients more travel options while maintaining the same high level of service and satisfaction they have grown to expect from both companies."

Each company will retain its unique niche in the tour business-Hanns Ebensten Travel with its concentration on higher-end intimate group tours emphasizing exotic locations of cultural and historical interest; and Alyson Adventures specializing in active tours.

Initially there will be little noticeable difference to clients as the companies continue to offer the same types of tours as they have offered in the past. Eventually though some changes are inevitable. "Whenever you get two passionate and creative groups together you create a synergy. And when that happens anything is possible." commented Sheldon.

Trip calendar   |   HOME   |   Reserve a trip

Copyright © 1999-2002 by Alyson Adventures, Inc.