Human rights group ranks best and worst countries for LGBTI travel
Human rights group ILGA-Europe has ranked Malta as the European country with the most comprehensive LGBTI rights for the fifth year running.
However, Turkey, one of the most popular countries for tourism, saw its score fall for the fifth year in a row to just 4%, placing it 48th out of 49 destinations on ILGA’s European Rainbow Map Index.
ILGA-Europe said Turkey’s score has been decreasing since 2015 due to restrictions on freedom of assembly and association.
The worst performing country was Azerbaijan with just 2%.
Malta scored 89% in recognition of the laws, policies and lifestyles of the LGBTI community on the Mediterranean island.
Malta Tourism Authority’s director UK & Ireland Tolene Van Der Merwe said: "We are so proud that Malta has, once again, been heralded as the number one destination for LGBTQ travellers in Europe.
"The Maltese have a reputation for compassion and excellent hospitality, and this is absolutely reflected in how all travellers are welcomed to the islands, and one of the reasons why we have managed to retain our place at the top of the Rainbow Index.
"Malta combines a bounty of traditional and historical culture with a contemporary and welcoming mindset towards all travellers and our people continue to set an inspiring example for other European countries to follow."
Top 5, Rainbow Europe 2020
1. Malta (89%)
2. Belgium (73%)
3. Luxembourg (73%)
4. Denmark (68 %)
5. Norway (68%)
Bottom 5, Rainbow Europe 202
45. Monaco (11%)
46. Russia (10%)
47. Armenia (8%)
48. Turkey (4 %)
49. Azerbaijan (2%)
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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