Tourism chiefs are reportedly trying a new tactic to entice more travellers to Britain’s shores – promoting the country as the “ultimate gay destination”.
The Visit Britain website features a section specifically aimed at gay travellers, proudly stating: “Welcome to the United Queendom of Great Britain. With our proud gay history, cutting edge culture and fashion, flamboyant cities and pulsating nightlife, isn’t it time you came out…to Britain!”
The website continues: “Pack up your suitcases and practise that royal wave, because you’re about to embark on a holiday fit for a queen – and we don’t mean the one living in Buckingham Palace!”
According to The Times, which today reports the story, the site also promotes events including the Mr Gay UK competition, the Erotica Festival and the Drag Olympics.
But not everyone is happy about the choice of language used in the promotion.
Stephen Beeny, editor of the Rainbow Network online magazine, is quoted as saying: “The information it gives is up to date and topical but it uses every cliché possible – one too many. It’s not offensive, but was probably written by a straight person who thinks he’s being terribly clever.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
