Kathmandu:

Nepal is positioning itself as a safe and respectful destination for South Asia’s sexual minorities as the first-ever International Rainbow Tourism Conference opens here on Saturday.

The one-day international conference was organized by the NGO Nepal Mayakopashikan.

“This pioneering event organized by Mayako Pahichan Nepal in partnership with Nepal Tourism Board marks an important milestone in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tourism industry,” a press release issued ahead of the event said.

“We are excited to host the first Rainbow Tourism Conference in Nepal,” said Sunil Babu Pant, executive director of Mayako Pahichan Nepal and the first member of parliament from the LGBT community.

He added: “This conference represents a key step forward in building a diverse and inclusive tourism industry. Nepal can be a perfect destination for pink tourism as the country’s constitution recognizes the rights of the LGBT community.”

The main objective of the conference was to position Nepal as an LGBT-friendly tourist destination.

The international conference was inaugurated by Bhakawati Chaudhary, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, who emphasized the need to build collaboration among different stakeholders to promote LGBT tourism in Nepal.

So far, 3,100 LGBT people have been officially registered in Nepal, but the exact number of the group is much higher, she said.

Kahud said that Nepal has enacted many laws to ensure equal treatment and a violence-free atmosphere for sexual minorities, and attention needs to be paid to the effective implementation of these laws.

She said that the government is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of the LGBT community. “Nepal not only provides a safe and secure environment for LGBT travelers, but also provides same-sex marriage and honeymoon destinations for sexual minorities.” The meeting issued a declaration expressing the desire to promote tourism A strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“This groundbreaking initiative reflects Nepal’s steadfast commitment to becoming a beacon of inclusion in the global tourism industry. As we move forward, we commit to upholding the principles of diversity, equity and respect and working to create a place where every traveler feels included. Embrace and be empowered by the world,” the statement read.

Nepal’s Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in 2007, requiring the government to enact laws recognizing third gender identities and repeal all discriminatory laws.

In June 2023, an interim order was passed to allow same-sex marriages to be legally registered.

The international conference will be attended by up to 120 people, including sexual minorities, various NGOs, activists, writers and media figures from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Germany, Spain and the United States.

Justice Hari Phuyal said Nepal’s Supreme Court remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding “justice and equality for all citizens.”

“Rainbow tourism not only brings economic growth but also provides an opportunity for the LGBTI community to promote inclusion and empowerment,” he said.