Kathmandu : In a groundbreaking move, Nepal hosted its inaugural national consultation on the prospects of ‘rainbow tourism.’ Sunil Babu Pant, appointed Cultural Emissary for Inclusive (Rainbow) Tourism during that national consultation organised by Mayako Pahichan Nepal in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board and United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Pant, Asia’s first openly gay Parliamentarian, advocates for promoting rainbow tourism globally, emphasizing justice and equality for sexual and gender minority communities.

The National Consultation on Inclusive (Rainbow) Tourism Prospects, held under the Sustainable Tourism Livelihood Revival Project by the UNDP and Nepal Tourism Board, convened on Friday.

Nandini Lahe Thapa, senior director of the board, affirmed Nepal’s readiness to embrace sexual and gender minority communities worldwide. She highlighted the unprecedented respect and recognition these communities receive in Nepal, describing the nation as a leading destination. Thapa announced plans for an international conference in April, a crucial step in fostering rainbow tourism. “This is just the beginning,” she remarked.

Pant, the appointed cultural Emissary, underscored the importance of inclusive tourism for poverty alleviation and economic development, citing the significant contribution of pink tourism to the economy. Notably, Nepal stands out as a destination where there is no discrimination against sexual and gender minority tourists.

Pant stated, “Where sexual and gender minority communities have rights, there are more tourists,” emphasizing Nepal’s friendliness towards these tourists. Furthermore, Nepal has achieved a milestone by hosting South Asia’s first rainbow marriage, setting the stage for the country to become a sought-after honeymoon destination for same-sex couples.

Isani M Ladele, Resident Representative of UNDP Nepal, expressed UNDP’s commitment to providing livelihood support to sexual and gender minority communities. Ladele praised Nepal’s inclusivity and encouraged collaboration for equality. She highlighted Nepal’s pioneering effort in counting the third gender in the 2068 census, a significant global milestone.

Jason P., Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Kathmandu, shared optimism about an influx of American visitors to Nepal in 2024. He commended Nepal’s leadership in upholding the rights of the sexual and gender minority community, acknowledging the country as a potential travel destination.

Shraddha Shrestha, National Project Coordinator of Nepal Tourism Board, affirmed the friendly environment for sexual and gender minorities, emphasizing the country’s robust potential for Rainbow Tourism. She assured that this community can travel safely in Nepal without facing discrimination.