Sri Lanka Tourism has officially endorsed a landmark 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, centred on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), comprises six key components including stakeholder engagement, training and awareness programmes, employment opportunities, and international promotional linkages. Sri Lanka Tourism has granted EQUAL GROUND the authority to liaise with industry stakeholders such as tour operators, hotels, training institutes, guides, and drivers to conduct DE&I training and awareness initiatives.
Furthermore, 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 enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility in this growing global market.
The endorsement also acknowledged EQUAL GROUND’s readiness to present the programme to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment & Tourism, with Sri Lanka Tourism assuring its 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.
