(ANSA) - Rome, March 26 - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Italians will spend about 1.568 billion euros this year on tourism, but only about one-third of that at home, according to a survey released Thursday to ANSA.
That is because of negative attitudes reported in Italy and a lack of "welcome" felt by LGBT tourists in Italy, according to the survey by tourism consulting firm JFC.
It said that about 930,000 tourists will spend an average of 1,680 euros per person in Italy this year - a good source of income of the Italian tourism interests.
LGBT tourists are often looking for a friendly experience and a chance to interact with others, both visitors and local residents, without being "ghettoized," said Massimo Feruzzi, chief executive of JFC and cc-ordinator of the survey.
"Unfortunately in Italy, there is still little sensitivity and lacks a true feeling of hospitality," towards LGBT tourists, it concluded".
Gay Italian tourists spend 1.5 bn euro
But only one-third spent at home because of 'negative attitudes'