CTV.ca
The entire B.C. tourism division will receive sensitivity training after releasing a pamphlet prohibiting businesses from promoting gay tourism when dealing with China.
B.C. Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell released a report on the gaffe Thursday that blames the offending passage on « poor judgment, not malicious intent. »
The gay tourism reference was found on page 24 of the « How to Market Your Business to China » document, along with bans on touting B.C.’s casinos and gambling.
« Tourism BC will also require that any partner operator agrees » not to promote gay tourism, it reads, « per the China National Tourism Administration. »
The passage has since been removed.
The report concludes that tourism staff had ample time to locate the offensive language, and that the attribution to the CNTA was inaccurate.
« Staff did not follow proper procedures to ensure that senior ministry staff was aware of the questions being raised, or that they provided correct information to the Minister, » the report says.
In response to the investigation, the tourism division will receive sensitivity and procedural training, it adds.
Bell says he also offered a personal apology to New Democrat tourism critic Spencer Chandra Herbert, who described the inclusion of the ban as an apparent endorsement of discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The brochure also describes the Chinese market as « not a sophisticated » one, and partners are advised to view it « as we would with a child, for the day when they grow into a mature and strong adult. »
