Sri Lanka Tourism has officially endorsed a project initiated by rights organisation EQUAL GROUND to promote and develop LGBTIQ 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.
“We recognise the potential of this project to diversify our tourism markets and position Sri Lanka as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming destination for all travellers,” the letter stated, noting that the initiative aligns with Sri Lanka’s strategic objectives of expanding its global tourism footprint.
The project, which focuses on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), includes six components such as stakeholder engagement, training, awareness programmes, employment opportunities, and international promotional linkages. Sri Lanka Tourism has also granted EQUAL GROUND authority to liaise with key stakeholders in the industry, including tour operators, hotels, training institutes, guides, and drivers, to carry out DE&I training and awareness initiatives.
In addition, Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed EQUAL GROUND’s participation, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), at international tourism forums, fairs, and LGBTIQ tourism networks to strengthen Sri Lanka’s visibility in this niche but growing global market.
The letter further acknowledged EQUAL GROUND’s willingness to present the programme to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Employment and Tourism. Sri Lanka Tourism assured support in facilitating these engagements.
“We look forward to working closely with EQUAL GROUND to ensure the success of this initiative, which we believe will contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism development and economic growth,” the endorsement added.
