In July, Nepal produced the first batch of guides trained to guide lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex or queer (LGBTIQ+) trekkers.<\/p>\n
Come January, Nepal will host the first international LGBTIQ+ tourism conference aimed at building more just and equitable societies and benefiting the economy.<\/p>\n
LGBTIQ+ rights activists say they want Nepal to cash in on the multi-billion dollar LGBTIQ+ or pink tourism, just like Spain and Thailand are doing.<\/p>\n
The conference announcement comes in the wake of the November 29 landmark verdict that allowed same-sex marriage in Nepal, the first in South Asia.<\/p>\n
\u201cNepal is considered a champion and beacon of hope for LGBTIQ+ rights in South Asia. Now, it needs to tap its potential business opportunities\u2014pink tourism,\u201d said Sunil Babu Pant, the first openly gay former parliamentarian in Asia, briefing that the two-day conference will begin on January 18 in Kathmandu.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe may invite prominent people from the LGBTIQ+ communities from around the world. The international participants may number just over 100. This is the beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Progressive laws and largely liberal attitudes of many countries have made them havens for LGBTIQ+ travellers. \u201cNow, it\u2019s time for Nepal to cash in on the opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lack of opportunities at home pushed nearly a million Nepalis to try their luck abroad in the last fiscal year.<\/p>\n
Nepal\u2019s economic growth has slowed. Construction, mining, and quarrying sectors are in the doldrums. Crash in the stock market, real estate, and low business confidence have rattled the economy.<\/p>\n
Celebrating Love, Embracing Equality: Nepal\u2019s LGBT+ Tourism Unveiled<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n When young people leave the country, its repercussions start to be visible in consumption. People hardly show up in major markets to buy mobile phones, cars, furniture, gold, and clothes.<\/p>\n The once-booming restaurants too are struggling to get young customers.<\/p>\n But tourism has shown a sign of revival.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the economy suffers, it\u2019s hard for LGBTIQ+ communities to get jobs here. These are the people who struggle to get jobs abroad\u2014mainly in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Malaysia where laws are harsh for them,\u201d said Pant.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s tap into the global LGBTIQ+ community. They want to see the world,\u201d he said. \u201cThey don\u2019t have children to spend on. They are a loyal community that loves to travel and spends a lot every time.\u201d<\/p>\n The LGBTIQ+ tourism events create a safe and welcoming space for individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. They promote inclusivity and foster a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n LGBTIQ+ events often showcase LGBTIQ+ artists, musicians, authors, and creators. They celebrate LGBTIQ+ culture, arts, and contributions to society.<\/p>\n These events can boost the local economy through tourism, increase business for local establishments, and create jobs.<\/p>\n \u201cOnce LGBTIQ+ tourism gets off the ground, it will encourage the expansion of hotels and restaurants by their community. They will open travel and tour agencies themselves,\u201d said Nilhari Bastola, president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal.<\/p>\n Now, Nepal is finally showing interest in investing in LGBTIQ+ tourism to cash in on the multi-billion-dollar pink economy, he said.<\/p>\n Research by corporate advisory and asset management company,\u00a0LGBT Capital<\/a>, estimates that the global annual spending power of the LGBTIQ+ consumer segment, measured in 2022, is $4.7 trillion.<\/p>\n There\u2019s even a name for it\u2014\u201cpink money.\u201d<\/p>\n