Gay tourists return to the fun. (Travel).

Gay travel agents say bookings remain strong despite world events, but some gay travelers involuntarily grounded after September 11 have learned that their missed vacations are gone for good.

Alternative Holidays, a London-based travel agency, will not refund the prepaid cost of an eight-day Club Med vacation to the many Americans who were unable to reach Italy in time for the September 16 start date. "Fifty-six thousand dollars in refunds would drive us out of business," said Eric Crispen, director of the firm. The travelers' money, he says, went to Club Med, which has declined to negotiate any refunds. Crispen said his best offer is a 100 [pounds sterling] credit toward future Alternative Holidays bookings.

Industry experts, however, argue that the vacation freeze will soon thaw. "Travel stopped for a week, but new bookings are only slightly off--and no more than you'd expect due to the economy," said Newt Deiter of GayTravel.com. And Rich Campbell of the West Hollywood, Calif.-based Atlantis Events said reservations were up for an October 5 Las Vegas weekend he was organizing.

Meanwhile, Michael Copenhaver, one of those refused a refund by Alternative Holidays, said he's still planning a vacation: "I'm flying to Los Angeles and then later to London. Terrorists won't ground me."