Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said on Thursday that no LGBTQ tourists are being targeted in attracting tourists to the destination.
Addressing a gathering of tourism leaders at the International Tourism Leaders Summit in Colombo, he said that Sri Lanka does not target LGBTQI tourists in attracting visitors to the country.
He noted that while they do not have any bias over travellers to Sri Lanka they will only look to upgrading the quality of tourism products.
The minister said that he will ensure that the cultural and heritage aspects of the country are given pride of place when marketing the destination. Chief guest at the event was President Anura Kumara Dissnayaka.
Earlier last week, Sri Lanka Tourism appeared to have endorsed a project initiated by LGBTQ-rights organisation EQUAL GROUND to promote and develop LGBTQ tourism in the country.
In a letter addressed to EQUAL GROUND Executive Director Ms. Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam commended the initiative, recognising its potential to diversify tourism markets and position Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming destination for all travellers.
However hours after the media reported this development it drew widespread condemnation from the Buddhist clergy among other groups. Then Sri Lankan Tourism trawled back on its statement clarifying that what it meant was that all tourists are welcome to the country. (SD)
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