The travel industry should not treat risks affecting LGBTQ+ travellers as isolated or worst-case scenarios but should build them into contingency planning for itineraries involving these travellers.
The advice comes from Meg Ten Eyck, Chair of the Board of Directors of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), who told Travel News that the recent refusal of an LGBTQ+ cruise by Turkey and Egypt reflected broader shifts against the community worldwide.
Cruise itinerary disrupted
A Virgin Voyages cruise ship chartered by LGBTQ+ holiday company Atlantis Events was denied entry to ports in both Turkey and Egypt during a ten-day Mediterranean sailing from Athens to Venice. About 1 900 guests were on board the Scarlet Lady.
Turkish officials announced on social media that the ship’s planned July 7 call at the port of Kuşadası had been cancelled because it was carrying groups “known for their behaviour that is incompatible with the structure and moral values of our society, and which has caused great unease among various segments of our society”.
Days later, Egypt denied the ship entry to Alexandria after it had initially received approval to dock, Rich Campbell, President of Atlantis Events, told The New York Times.
He added that the company had previously called at ports in both countries and that this was the first time one of its cruises had been denied entry.
Egyptian officials have not publicly provided a reason for the decision.
“We were incredibly disappointed to learn that Scarlet Lady was denied entry into Alexandria hours before our planned call,” a Virgin Voyages spokesperson said. “We successfully operated a similar itinerary last year without issue.”
The spokesperson told Travel News that the ship was instead diverted to Kotor, Montenegro.
Broader shift
“It’s definitely a reality check reflecting shifts against the LGBTQ+ community that we’ve witnessed around the world. Queer travellers face rejection in small ways every day, but it’s less often that we see it happen on this scale,” Ten Eyck said.
“Make it standard practice to map out exactly what happens if things change, whether it’s a local protest or a sudden policy shift. When you handle those ‘what-ifs’ as a normal part of the trip prep, it changes the conversation from fear to preparedness.”
Ten Eyck said IGLTA members previously had positive experiences in both Turkey and Egypt, “but we also know things can change quickly”.
She also encouraged travel businesses to work with trusted local partners with a proven track record of providing respectful service.
“When you prioritise partners with a history of consistent, respectful service, you’re leaning on a network built on experience rather than just marketing. Work with local operators who genuinely understand the climate of their own communities.”
