Nepal is set to make history with its inaugural rainbow tourism conference, scheduled to take place on April 20-21 in Kathmandu. The event, titled ‘Yatra 2 Happiness: First Rainbow Tourism International Conference,’ aims to position Nepal as a welcoming and secure destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Organized jointly by the Nepal Tourism Board and Maya ko Pahichan Nepal (MKPN), the conference will attract international tourism stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, hoteliers, donor agencies, and celebrities. Sunil Babu Panta, the executive director of MKPN and Nepal's first openly LGBT lawmaker, highlights the significance of the conference in empowering Nepal’s LGBT community economically and elevating the country’s tourism sector.

Nandini Lahe Thapa, acting CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, expresses full support for rainbow tourism promotion, recognizing its potential to attract visitors from around the world. With neighboring countries like India and China showing minimal progress on LGBTQ+ rights, Nepal sees an opportunity to become a preferred destination for rainbow tourists.

The conference agenda will feature a dynamic lineup of activities, including entertainment programs, fashion shows, food festivals, film screenings, and enticing travel packages. Approximately 150 travel trade operators and hoteliers are expected to participate, fostering dialogue and collaboration to promote LGBTQ+-friendly tourism in Nepal.

As Nepal emerges as a beacon of inclusivity and diversity, the rainbow tourism conference represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards embracing and celebrating its LGBTQ+ community. By welcoming travelers from all walks of life, Nepal hopes to showcase its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality to the world.