SAN FRANCISCO, June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — GayCities–the world’s largest LGBT community-driven city guide–today announcedthe launch of a special “check-in” promotion,49 Places That Make Us Proud, in partnership withSan Francisco Travel Association,the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. (http://sanfrancisco.gaycities.com/promos/49places/)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120605/CG19471)

The promotion, spanning San Francisco Pride Month of June, encourages San Francisco visitors to check-in using the GayCities iPhone app, Foursquare or Facebook to 49 places selected out of thousands of businesses and locations by GayCities editors for representing the best of the city that invented gay.

The 49 places range from the Levi’s Store to Baker Beach to Lookout, a popular Castro bar. GayCities members checking in to these places are eligible for dozens of instant prizes as well as a grand prize: a return trip to San Francisco, includingairfare for two on American Airlines, a two-night stay at a Kimpton Hotel, a $100 dining certificate, and a pair of San Francisco CityPASSes. (Each check-in increases the chance of winning.)

The campaign is beginning of an extensive, 16-month partnership between GayCities and San Francisco Travelspanning multiple custom integrated marketing promotions that includes social media, tailored online content, mobile and offline events.

The number 49 has long had special significance for San Francisco. The city’s population exploded with the Gold Rush of 1849. The city itself measures 49 square miles (or “49 square miles surrounded by reality,” as one luminary noted). Motorists can tour the city on the 49 Mile Scenic Drive. And don’t forget that famous football team with 49 in the name.

“Partnering with GayCities is a win-win for both of us: they are the leading LGBT travel and location-based social network, and San Francisco is a top LGBT destination and center of new media and technology,” said Lynn Bruni, director of consumer marketing for San Francisco Travel Association. “GayCities provides us with opportunities to reach gay travelers in highly relevant, travel related content they’re seeking up to date, location based user generated reviews, insider experiences via online and the GayCities iPhone app. We’re especially excited to partner with them on the49 Places That Make Us Proudcheck-in challenge, using the newest technology to introduce visitors to the depth and variety of experiences the city offers.”

“We’re excited to partner with San Francisco Travel to create fun and innovative programs highlighting the best of this city byutilizing our expertise in content, social media, and mobile technology,”added Scott Gatz, CEO, GayCities, Inc. “Whether people are planning a trip, using our app to find what’s happening around town or sharing their opinions afterwards, our guide to San Francisco is one of the most popular on GayCities, and our social features are all about connecting our members to great experiences.”

Contact Scott Gatz, CEO, GayCities, Inc.Scott@GayCities.com(415) 871-1503

GayCities is the leading LGBT travel and location-based social network that helps people uncover the best of what’s happening everywhere. Atwww.gaycities.com, members contribute their own experiences and discover what people like them really think about their town and cities around the world. GayCities brings together mobile checkins, reviews and up-to-date listings of bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, hotels and other venues in 215 cities via the web site and popular iPhone app. GayCities reaches 600,000 visitors each month.

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