28-Day Wellness Therapy Training Launched for LGBTQI+ Community in Nepal

Kathmandu: A 28-day Wellness Therapy (Spa) training program for members of the LGBTQI+ community has commenced in Kathmandu. The initiative is supported by the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP)—a joint initiative of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal—and coordinated by the Blue Diamond Society (BDS).

The training aims to promote inclusive tourism development, enhance skill-based employment opportunities, and contribute to Nepal's national campaign, "Nepal Wellness Year 2027." Nine participants are enrolled in the program.

Throughout the four-week course, participants will receive both theoretical and practical training in human anatomy and physiology, professional ethics, customer service, hygiene and safety standards, spa and wellness operations, full-body massage, reflexology, head and shoulder massage, body scrubs, and other essential wellness therapy techniques. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a Spa Therapist Certificate.

Following the Government of Nepal's declaration of 2027 as "Nepal Wellness Year," the country has prioritized the promotion of yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, natural healing, spiritual tourism, and Himalayan healing traditions as internationally recognized tourism products. The training is expected to support the expansion of Nepal's wellness tourism sector while creating dignified employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The Government has also introduced a National Wellness Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, which focuses on improving service quality, developing skilled human resources, promoting safe and ethical practices, and establishing wellness therapy as a respected and professional career.

Speaking at the program, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, Hikmat Singh Ayer, emphasized that the benefits of tourism should reach every segment of society. He stated that wellness tourism has the potential to create new opportunities for decent employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

"The core principle of Nepal Wellness Year 2027 is to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach every community. Through this initiative, we aim to position the LGBTQI+ community not merely as beneficiaries, but as active contributors to Nepal's emerging wellness tourism industry," Ayer said.

He further reaffirmed the Nepal Tourism Board's commitment to promoting tourism that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all, noting that empowering marginalized communities through professional skills contributes not only to social justice but also to the competitiveness of Nepal's tourism sector.

"Diversity is Nepal's greatest strength, and an inclusive tourism industry is essential for sustainable national development," he added.

Dharma Raj Dawadi, National Project Manager of the Sustainable Tourism Project (STP), highlighted that inclusive skills development lies at the heart of sustainable tourism. He noted that creating decent employment opportunities for marginalized communities remains one of the project's key objectives.

According to Dawadi, investment in professional wellness skills will boost participants' confidence while equipping them with the expertise needed to secure dignified livelihoods and actively participate in Nepal's rapidly growing wellness tourism market.