Nepal launches inaugural Rainbow Tourism conference, promoting itself as a secure travel destination | Global News

The first International Rainbow Tourism Conference kicked off in Nepal, with the country positioning itself as a safe and respectful destination for the sexual minority community in South Asia. Organized by Mayako Pahichan Nepal, a non-governmental organization, the single-day conference aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity within the tourism industry.

“We are thrilled to host the first rainbow tourism conference in Nepal,” said Sunil Babu Pant, the executive director of Mayako Pahichan Nepal and the first Parliament Member from the LGBT community. He emphasized Nepal’s potential as a perfect destination for pink tourism, highlighting the country’s constitution that recognizes the rights of the LGBT community.

The conference was inaugurated by Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Bhagawati Chaudhary, who stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to promote LGBT tourism in Nepal. She mentioned that Nepal has formulated laws guaranteeing equal treatment and a violence-free atmosphere for the sexual minority community.

With the participation of 120 individuals, including sexual minorities, NGOs, activists, writers, and media persons from various countries, the conference aims to uphold principles of diversity, equity, and respect in the tourism industry. Nepal’s Supreme Court has been instrumental in advocating for justice and equality for all citizens, including recognizing the identity of the third gender and legalizing same-sex marriage.

The declaration issued at the conference reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to becoming a beacon of inclusivity in global tourism, striving to create a world where every traveler feels embraced and empowered. Rainbow tourism not only promises economic growth but also represents an opportunity to foster inclusivity and empowerment within the LGBTI community.