Sri Lanka promotes inclusive tourism: the country supports a project to advance LGBTIQ+ tourism
Colombo, September 26 (Daily Mirror) — In a historic decision for the tourism sector, Sri Lanka Tourism has officially endorsed a project launched by the human rights organization EQUAL GROUND, aimed at promoting and developing LGBTIQ+ tourism in the country.
🌍 A step toward more diverse and inclusive tourism
In a letter addressed to EQUAL GROUND’s Executive Director, Rosanna Flamer-Caldera, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism, Buddhika Hewawasam, praised the initiative, highlighting its importance in diversifying tourism markets and establishing Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming destination for all travelers.
“We recognize the potential of this project to diversify our tourism markets and position Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming destination for all travelers,” the letter stated, also emphasizing that the initiative aligns with the country’s strategic goals to expand its presence in global tourism.
🤝 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)-based project
The program focuses on the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and includes six key components:
Engagement of tourism sector stakeholders
Training programs
Awareness-raising activities
Creation of job opportunities
Connection with international promotion networks
Additionally, Sri Lanka Tourism has authorized EQUAL GROUND to collaborate with tour operators, hotels, training institutes, guides, and drivers to implement training and awareness activities on inclusion and diversity within the sector.
🌐 International promotion of inclusive tourism
In its commitment to strengthen the country’s presence in the global market, Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the joint participation of EQUAL GROUND and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in international forums, tourism fairs, and global LGBTIQ+ tourism networks, with the aim of increasing the country’s visibility in this specialized and rapidly growing segment.
The letter also highlighted EQUAL GROUND’s willingness to present the program to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as well as to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Employment and Tourism, ensuring Sri Lanka Tourism’s institutional support to facilitate these meetings and future collaborations.
💬 Commitment to growth and equality
“We look forward to working closely with EQUAL GROUND to ensure the success of this initiative, which we believe will make a significant contribution to the development of tourism and the economic growth of Sri Lanka,” the official statement concluded.
With this initiative, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to equality, diversity, and sustainability, taking a firm step toward a more inclusive and representative tourism sector on the international stage.
