Nepal to host its inaugural LGBTQ+ tourism conference in January

Monday, December 18, 2023

Nepal will be hosting its inaugural LGBTQ+ tourism conference in January.

The conference has a goal of establishing the country as an inclusive and welcoming destination for sexual minorities.

The two-day conference will take place on January 18 in Kathmandu. It follows a landmark decision last month, making Nepal the first nation in South Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

According to the latest data available from the Nepal Tourism Board, in the first 10 months of 2023, Nepal welcomed around 810,000 tourists.

Tourism plays a crucial role in the Nepalese economy. It serves as a significant source of foreign exchange and revenue.

Approximately 6.7% of the country’s GDP is attributed to the contributions of the tourism industry.

The LGBTQ+ Travel Market

Prior to the pandemic, the global value of LGBTQ+ travellers was estimated at a staggering $218 billion.

Sunil Babu Pant expressed Nepal’s standing as a champion for LGBTQ+ rights in South Asia and emphasized the nation’s readiness for LGBTQ+ tourism. He is Asia’s first openly gay former parliamentarian and a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist,

Pant highlighted the potential to attract visitors and create job opportunities, particularly for individuals facing challenges securing employment abroad due to their distinctive identity.

Pant emphasized the importance of tapping into markets like China and India, both having substantial LGBTQ+ populations that often encounter social, cultural, and political discrimination.

Role of Travel Companies

The LGBTQ+ travel research had highlighted how travel companies play a crucial role as allies in creating inclusive environments and implementing inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ travellers.

The research showcased how concerns about attitudes, discrimination, and violence towards LGBTQ+ individuals have had a significant impact on their choice of travel destinations.

It shed light on both the progress made and the recent setbacks faced by these communities in terms of travel experiences.

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