Nepal Hosts First International Rainbow Tourism Conference

April 22, 2024

On April 20, 2024, Nepal hosted its first International Rainbow Tourism Conference in Kathmandu, with an objective to promote the country as a safe and inclusive destination for LGBT tourists.

This conference was organized by the NGO Mayako Pahichan Nepal in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board.

Conference Highlights and Objectives

The conference’s primary goal was to establish Nepal as an LGBT-friendly tourism hub. The gathering facilitated a discussion on the necessary steps to integrate diversity and inclusivity into the broader tourism strategy. Nepal’s initiative to promote itself as an LGBT-friendly destination seems to be a strategic economic move also as Rainbow tourism has the potential to drive significant economic growth by attracting a diverse range of visitors.

LGBT in Nepal

Nepal has shown substantial development in terms of legal and social acceptance of the LGBT community. Historical milestones include the Supreme Court’s 2007 verdict, which demanded the recognition of a third gender and the abolition of discriminatory laws. More recently, in June 2023, the Supreme Court issued an interim order permitting the legal registration of same-sex marriages.

Global Participation and Future Prospects

The conference saw participation from around 120 individuals, including representatives from sexual minorities, NGOs, activists, writers, and media personnel from various countries such as Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Germany, Spain, and the US.

About Rainbow Tourism

Rainbow tourism, also known as LGBT tourism or gay tourism, caters to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) travellers. It is a growing segment of the global tourism industry, with an estimated market value of over $200 billion annually. Key destinations for Rainbow tourism include cities like San Francisco, New York, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Tel Aviv, which are known for their inclusive and LGBT-friendly environments.

Many countries and cities host annual Pride events, such as parades and festivals, which attract a significant number of LGBT tourists. LGBT travellers often prioritize destinations with progressive attitudes, anti-discrimination laws, and legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Accommodation options catering specifically to the LGBT community, such as gay-friendly hotels and resorts, have emerged in popular destinations. Cruise lines and tour operators now offer LGBT-specific itineraries and packages, featuring activities and destinations of interest to the community. The economic impact of Rainbow tourism can be significant, as LGBT travellers often have higher disposable incomes and tend to spend more on travel compared to other segments.

Despite progress, many destinations still lack legal protections for LGBT individuals, and travellers need to exercise caution in countries with discriminatory laws or societal attitudes.

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