The conference was aimed at promoting Nepal as a safe and inclusive destination for all visitors
The inaugural edition of Rainbow Tourism Conference opened in Kathmandu on Saturday as Nepal took its first steps towards presenting the destination as a safe and inclusive destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
The international conference was organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal, a non-governmental organisation, in association with Nepal Tourism Board, the country’s tourism promotion organisation.
‘‘This pioneer event organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board marks a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the tourism industry,’’ say the organisers in a press statement.
“We are thrilled to host the first rainbow tourism conference in Nepal. This conference represents a critical step forward in creating a tourism industry that marks diversity and embraces inclusivity. Nepal can be a perfect destination for pink tourism as the country’s Constitution recognises the rights of the LGBT community,” says Sunil Babu Pant, Executive Director of Mayako Pahichan Nepal and the first Nepalese Member of Parliament from LGBTQ+ community.
The organisers say that the main objective of organising the conference was to position Nepal as an LGBT-friendly tourism destination. The statement adds that the international conference was inaugurated by Bhagawati Chaudhary, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, who underlined the need to forge collaboration among different stakeholders to promote LGBTQ+ tourism in Nepal.
Asserting that Nepal has formulated many laws guaranteeing equal treatment and a violence-free atmosphere for the sexual minority community, Chaudhay said that there is a need to pay attention to their effective implementation.
“Nepal not only offers a safe and ensuring environment for LGBTQ+ travellers, it also offers same-sex marriage and honeymoon destination for the sexual minority community,” she said.
The conference also issued a declaration that expressed its unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the tourism industry.
‘‘This groundbreaking initiative reflects Nepal’s steadfast dedication to becoming a beacon of inclusivity in global tourism. As we move forward, we pledge to uphold the principles of diversity, equity, and respect, striving to create a world where every traveller feels embraced and empowered,’’ reads the declaration.
