Fridae

A two-day itinerary specifically designed with international lesbian and gay tourists in mind has won the Honourable Mention prize in a competition organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Commission (HKTC).

The proposal submitted under the Group Category by Hong Kong's gay advocacy group, Chi Heng Foundation for HKTC's Enjoy HK Itinerary Design Competition "highlights the lesbian and gay scene in Hong Kong, which is one of the most vibrant in Asia, and turns it into a tourist attraction for the ever-growing international lesbian and gay travellers," said Chung To, spokesman for the foundation.

He added that winning the prize signals an official recognition of the importance of the "Pink Dollar", and the potential market of a large group of lesbian and gay travellers.

The foundation believes that besides attracting tourists' dollars, the proposal if realised would enhance Hong Kong's image and its position as an open, cosmopolitan city.

Hong Kong, which repealed its sodomy laws in 1991, now hosts an annual lesbian and gay film festival and the International Tongzhi Conference for Chinese gay and lesbian activists from China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia.

The Award Ceremony will be held on June 1 at the HK Convention Centre.