This story was updated at 4:55 pm, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011
British Columbia’s tourism minister was quick to apologize Tuesday and to rebuke a government pamphlet that warns the province’s businesses not to promote gay tourism to Canada in China.
The pamphlet was issued to B.C. tourism operators last week and is titled “How to Market your Business to China.”
Midway through the document, it says “Tourism BC will also require that any partner operator agrees to… prohibit the promotion of casinos, gambling and gay tourism, per the China National Tourism Administration.”
Pat Bell, minister of tourism for British Columbia, said Tuesday the reference is being removed.
He said the information was included because he was wrongly informed that it was a required part of an agreement between the federal and Chinese governments when approved-destination status between the two countries was negotiated.
The status gives Canadian tourism operators the right to market services in China and gives Chinese tour operators the chance to organize travel packages to Canada.
“There is nothing restricting us from publishing that document without that information,” Bell said Tuesday.
“It is not part of a federal agreement. I was originally told that it was part of a federal agreement with the Chinese government. That is not the case, I am told now. So I have directed my staff to correct the document and if anyone out there is offended, certainly I would want to apologize to them.”
Vancouver tourism authorities have long targeted the international gay market, branding Vancouver as an inclusive destination with many amenities for gay couples. The 2010 Olympics featured Pride House.
Premier Christy Clark was asked about the brochure Monday. She and Bell are currently on a trade mission to China.
Clark appeared taken aback and said she hadn’t seen the document and declined comment until she had looked at it.
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