Pink Pride:
The world is sitting up and taking notice of homosexual tourism as it scales new heights
It is discrimination that has always hassled homosexuals, who have waged an endless battle to win respect in a predominantly heterogenous world. After years of keeping mum out of fear of being ostracised, it was only recently that the clamour by gays and lesbians demanding their rights reached a crescendo. The first Gay-Pride Parade in India, which was held in 2008 in New Delhi to secure a legal place for ‘brotherhood’ and ‘sisterhood’ in our society, is clearly etched in my memory. Never before had I expected to witness people congregate to plead for the recognition of their very existence! Among the sea of same-sex couples were Lobo and Jijo, who proudly held hands, and apart from various qualms had also shared with me their desire to travel freely. It seems like their pleas were loud, or rather honest, enough to reach the highest peak of the world, literally! To make the dreams of this couple, and many others like them, come true, Nepal has planned to host homosexual weddings at the Everest base camp, and treks through the Himalayas too.
While most countries are scornful or, at the most, tolerant of homosexuals, Nepal is perched at the other end of the spectrum. According to Lonely Planet, Nepal was rated the best romantic destination by gays and lesbians around the world, which stands testimony to this country being a utopia for homosexuals. And hence, the country which breathes on tourism is attempting to reduce its poverty by exploring the multi-billion dollar gay tourism industry. Talking about the growing buzz, John Tanzella, President/CEO of International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) said, “There is definitely a large contingent of LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) tourists who enjoy exotic travel and they are always open to finding new and interesting destinations that are welcoming.” He further added, “In fact, this will motivate gay and lesbian tour operators to include Nepal in their itineraries in the future and raise awareness about the country and the incredible activities offered there.” In 2009, tourism pumped in approximately 350 million dollars and this year, the government officials in Nepal are attempting to double the number of tourists to one million visitors. Nepal would be the first country to celebrate and facilitate homosexual marriages and also provide a honeymoon package comprising an elephant safari through the mountains. Gushing about this romantic idea, Adam, who married George three years ago, said, “I had always dreamt of something as special as this. Although I’m married, I still can’t wait to experience this adventure. It is just so encouraging to see that people like us are being invited to visit their country and are being given an opportunity to marry our partners. It gives our community a sense of identity. With this initiative by Nepal, I am sure the world will treat us with more respect,” said a hopeful Adam.
As homosexuals and Nepal raise a toast to this new genre of tourism, the rest of us can say cheers to our neighbour imminently on the way to becoming one of the world’s most progressive nations
For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
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For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here
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IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
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Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN
The world is sitting up and taking notice of homosexual tourism as it scales new heights
It is discrimination that has always hassled homosexuals, who have waged an endless battle to win respect in a predominantly heterogenous world. After years of keeping mum out of fear of being ostracised, it was only recently that the clamour by gays and lesbians demanding their rights reached a crescendo. The first Gay-Pride Parade in India, which was held in 2008 in New Delhi to secure a legal place for ‘brotherhood’ and ‘sisterhood’ in our society, is clearly etched in my memory. Never before had I expected to witness people congregate to plead for the recognition of their very existence! Among the sea of same-sex couples were Lobo and Jijo, who proudly held hands, and apart from various qualms had also shared with me their desire to travel freely. It seems like their pleas were loud, or rather honest, enough to reach the highest peak of the world, literally! To make the dreams of this couple, and many others like them, come true, Nepal has planned to host homosexual weddings at the Everest base camp, and treks through the Himalayas too.
While most countries are scornful or, at the most, tolerant of homosexuals, Nepal is perched at the other end of the spectrum. According to Lonely Planet, Nepal was rated the best romantic destination by gays and lesbians around the world, which stands testimony to this country being a utopia for homosexuals. And hence, the country which breathes on tourism is attempting to reduce its poverty by exploring the multi-billion dollar gay tourism industry. Talking about the growing buzz, John Tanzella, President/CEO of International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) said, “There is definitely a large contingent of LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) tourists who enjoy exotic travel and they are always open to finding new and interesting destinations that are welcoming.” He further added, “In fact, this will motivate gay and lesbian tour operators to include Nepal in their itineraries in the future and raise awareness about the country and the incredible activities offered there.” In 2009, tourism pumped in approximately 350 million dollars and this year, the government officials in Nepal are attempting to double the number of tourists to one million visitors. Nepal would be the first country to celebrate and facilitate homosexual marriages and also provide a honeymoon package comprising an elephant safari through the mountains. Gushing about this romantic idea, Adam, who married George three years ago, said, “I had always dreamt of something as special as this. Although I’m married, I still can’t wait to experience this adventure. It is just so encouraging to see that people like us are being invited to visit their country and are being given an opportunity to marry our partners. It gives our community a sense of identity. With this initiative by Nepal, I am sure the world will treat us with more respect,” said a hopeful Adam.
As homosexuals and Nepal raise a toast to this new genre of tourism, the rest of us can say cheers to our neighbour imminently on the way to becoming one of the world’s most progressive nations
For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2010.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
“We will change your outlook” - The Sunday Indian on B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED! A must read...
The Sunday Indian:-
B-SCHOOL RANKING SCAMSTERS EXPOSED!
For Exclusive Footage by Sunday Indian Click Here
Outlook Magazine's B School Ranking Scam Exposed
Business Standard Exposes the Outlook Magazine Money Editor
Don't trust the Indian Media!
IIPM enters into media education
IIPM makes record 10,000 placements in five years
TSI exposes b school ranking scamsters Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Premchand Palety of C fore. - For Complete Sting Operation Video Click Here
Pioneer Exposes the fraud called Mahesh Sharma and Mahesh Peri of Career 360 and Barbel Schwertfeger of mba-channel.com
IIPM: An intriguing story of growth and envy
Prof Arindam Chaudhuri of IIPM on MF HUSAIN
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