Nepal held its first international LGBTIQ tourism conference on Saturday. The company hopes to capture a piece of the multibillion-dollar pink market after the phenomenal success of same-sex marriage, which became legal last November.
“Forget Nepal’s biased history. We now aim to build a fairer and more just society. An economy that is equal for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people. Let’s give them a chance,” Sunil Babu Pant, Asia’s first openly gay former lawmaker, said at a conference in Kathmandu.
Just a few years ago, it was common to see police beating gay and transgender people on the street.
“After nearly 20 years of legal battles, the law and society have come to accept the LGBTIQ community. We are now in the second phase. We need equality of economic opportunity. We need to bring in LGBTIQ tourists from the market.”
The conference marked the successful registration of the marriage of Surendra Pandey and Maya Gurung, the first same-sex couple to be legally recognized in Nepal on November 29, 2023, after years of legal wrangling. The announcement was made in response to what was done behind the scenes.
This interim arrangement will remain in effect until legal provisions are enacted.
Their legally recognized same-sex marriage is the first of its kind in South Asia and is a milestone for LGBTIQ rights.
Hari Prasad Puyal, who became a Supreme Court Justice in 2007, said: “It is a pivotal moment in my career to stand before you and emphasize the importance of justice, equality and the pursuit of human rights.” It’s an honor to look back on it.” The lawyers argued in favor of a law that guarantees the full rights of LGBTIQ people and the definition of sexual minorities as “natural persons” under the law. They had the right to marry, he insisted.
Finally, in December 2007, the court issued a historic decision guaranteeing the rights of the community.
The judgment reads as follows: “No one has the right to ask how two adults engage in sexual intercourse and whether this intercourse is natural or unnatural. The right to privacy is ensured, as is the way in which third-gender people with different gender identities and sexual orientations are protected.
“In 2007, I found myself entrusted by Sunil Babu Pant with a case that would leave an indelible mark on my journey. “He has filed a case that seeks not just representation, but a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the LGBTIQ community,” Puyal said.
“Admittedly, my initial knowledge on this subject was limited, but through dedicated learning and unwavering commitment, I found the confidence to summon it and here it is. This result is the best It is a shocking judgment of the court and a pillar of hope and progress not only for Nepal but for the entire world.
“We recognize that civil and political rights are fundamental, but so are economic, social and cultural rights.”
He said “rainbow tourism” not only promises economic growth but also offers opportunities to promote inclusion and empowerment of the LGBTIQ community. “Integrating them into the national economy not only creates employment opportunities but also contributes to the overall prosperity of the nation.”
He emphasized that the Nepal Supreme Court’s decision is a precedent for other countries, including neighboring countries.
Diane Anderson Minshall, CEO and Chief Storyteller of GO Magazine, said in a presentation titled “Global Overview of LGBTI Tourism and its Contribution to the Economy” that LGBTIQ or pink tourism can generate a lot of wealth and purchasing power. He said that it is a group of travelers who have. .
According to her, the annual purchasing power of global LGBTIQ consumers is $4.7 trillion, based on the 2023 LGBT Capital Wealth and Travel Data Report. Among them, Americans have a spending capacity of $1.4 trillion, followed by China with $872 billion, Germany with $224 billion, India with $168 billion, and the United Kingdom with $164 billion.
China is an untapped market and will grow in the coming years. “One thing we know from Chinese gay travelers is that they are looking for a place where they feel safe, where they can hold hands, where they can have new experiences.”
And those are the ones found in Nepal, Anderson Minshall said. Germany and the UK are his LGBTIQ centers.
Nandini Rahe Thapa, Director General of Nepal Tourism Board, said, “This is a victory for Nepal’s tourism industry as LGBTIQ conferences are one of the most important market segments that we have yet to tap.” Ta.
To get more tourists, spend more money and stay longer, Nepal is following the principle of “Tourism for All, Power for All Seasons and All Reasons”, says Rahetapa. he said. “We are therefore very proud to partner with the first-ever Rainbow Tourism International Conference.”
People choose to travel to places where they feel safe, respected and able to be themselves.
“If the place and people are judgmental and unfriendly, people may feel uncomfortable sharing their identities and choices. There are advantages here as a destination,” says Rahe. Mr Thapa said.
Nepal Tourism Board and travel industry fraternity plan to harness the potential of pink communities across the world and begin investing to create a more friendly and enabling environment to promote such tourism doing. Last year, the board organized trekking guide training for 25 of her members from the LGBTIQ community.
According to Pant, there are currently several businesses in Kathmandu run by members of the LGBTIQ community, including at least 24 bars, restaurants, travel and tour companies, and hotels. “Businesses are opening up to queer people, which is a good sign. We can promote Nepal as a same-sex wedding and honeymoon destination.”
Nepal’s diverse culture includes a rich LGBTIQ-related tradition. Exploring the country’s festivals, temples, symbols, rituals, and stories such as the concept of ajima and the recognition of the six genders provides a unique cultural experience.
Pant said he has launched a “Tantric Heritage Tour” that will delve deeply into Nepal’s cultural and spiritual aspects, including those related to matriarchy and the LGBTIQ community.
Pink communities around the world open up a new layer of valuable visitors to Nepal.
Veronique Lorenço, EU Ambassador to Nepal, said: “This is the first of many happy journeys for Nepal. There are many benefits to this tourism segment.
“Nepal is a success story. It is the second country in Asia to register same-sex marriage. Of course, there is still much progress to be made. must be continued every day.”
“It’s not just about pink money, it’s also about promoting inclusivity and being fair to travelers.”
