We’re starting a new trend, we’re being trendsetters.”Ravit Kushmi, a participant who identifies as queer, calls the training “historic,” adding they can serve as Nepal’s LGBTQ tourism ambassadors. But Pant believes LGBTQ tourists have favored those destinations for years, and Nepal offers a fresh travel experience in Asia. The Nepal Tourism Board plans to launch an official LGBTQ tourism campaign soon, too. “This niche market will contribute to Nepal’s tourism,” says Mani R. Lamichhane, director of the Nepal Tourism Board. He says Nepal’s LGBTQ tourism would provide mutual benefits, particularly for tourists visiting the country seeking adventure and spiritual experiences.

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Persons: Nepal’s, Sunil Babu Pant, “, ”, gwara mari, –, Bibek Bhandari, Himal Pandit, Manoj, Asshika, Ravit, Tiffany, Pant, John Tanzella, Courtney Mitchell, Sarah Welton, Mani R, Lamichhane, Rubina Bhujel, Bhadra, ” Bhadra, ” Pant Organizations: Kathmandu CNN, Pant, Nepal Tourism, –, Nepal Mountaineering Academy, CNN, International, Travel, ”, Nepal’s, Nepal Tourism Board, West University, UN Locations: Kathmandu, Pant, Nepal, Bibek, Bibek Bhandari Nepal, Thamel, ” Nepal, Asia, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Pink, American, “ Nepal