US-based Community Marketing Inc., a leader in gay and lesbian market research, has teamed up with human rights organization Blue Diamond Society, and a number of private tour operators to host an LGBT tourism symposium on February 26 in Nepal. The event, supported by several Nepal-based tourism organizations, is the first of its kind in Asia. Although the program has not yet been announced 200 representatives of travel and tour operators, airlines, and journalists are expected to show up. Officials are hoping for a huge influx of LGBT tourists. Nepal legalized homosexuality in 2007 and has introduced a slew of new laws that will further protect gay men and lesbians. [TKP]

-Nikki Dowling