The Gay European Tourism Association (GETA) has given its full backing to Iceland’s bid to host the World Outgames in 2017. This has been made clear in a recent press release GETA published this week. Reykjavik is bidding to host Outgames in 2017 and is competing with Miami, Rio de Janeiro and Rome but in speculation from people close to the bidding process Miami Beach and Reykjavik are the frontrunners in the bid process.
In a visit to Reykjavik GETA Chief Executive, Carlos Kytka, met the organisers of the bid and the city’s Mayor to offer support. Reykjavik has been shortlisted with Miami as the possible venue for the games. “Reykjavik is the ideal destination for a major gay world event” said Carlos. “Iceland has an enviable gay pedigree. It has a lesbian president, and outstanding record on gay rights, and an outspoken mayor of its capital city who even attends pride in drag”.
“Reykjavik and its citizens embrace diversity in all its forms, welcoming visitors with inclusiveness, respect and hospitality. We hope our guests leave with the sense of surprise, delight, inspiration and the drive to bring change to their societies.” Resting half way between mainland Europe and the USA Iceland was the venue for the historic meeting
between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev in 1986 that led to the end of the Cold War. “It is perfectly positioned for visitors from the Americas and Europe” said Carlos.
Read the full GETA press release, released Feb 18th
