Community Marketing, Inc., (CMI) the San Francisco-based market research and communications firm, celebrated its 17th anniversary on October 10th. Since 1992, CMI has been connecting its industry-leading clients with the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) communities through targeted market research methodologies, strategic marketing planning, and education.

CMI is producing its 10th International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism in Boston, November 1-4. Speakers include successful marketers from tourism offices, airlines and hotel groups, as well as local and regional politicians.

A keynote address will be presented by Nepal Member of Parliament, Sunil Babu Pant. Mr. Pant recently made history when he was elected Asia’s first openly gay member of parliament, and is also the founder of the Blue Diamond Society (BDS)-now a network of several organizations working on HIV, human rights and social justice with sexual gender minorities in Nepal. Mr. Pant played a key role in the decision of Nepal’s Supreme Court ordering their government to extend equal protections under the law to their gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex people in 2007, and is now moving a bill through parliament that would establish Nepal as the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. Mr. Pant believes that a focus on becoming a genuinely “gay-welcoming” tourism destination will position Nepal as a pioneer and leader in the region, and will help create jobs for LGBT citizens of the country.

"We're delighted to welcome Mr. Pant as a keynote speaker," said Thomas Roth, conference organizer. "As the LGBT segment gains importance among tourism marketers around the world, it is increasingly important to discuss our experiences, opportunities and goals."

Other topics at the conference include a review of the most recent LGBT tourism market research; public relations; case studies from Massachusetts, Baltimore, Montreal, London and the international gay brand Axel Hotels; plus a special Internet Luncheon featuring innovators in LGBT online communications.

"Nepal has tremendous potential in the global LGBT tourism marketplace," Roth added. "CMI's research shows that gay and lesbian travelers have a preference for destinations rich in culture, art, architecture, cuisine and music. Nepal has all this, and more: A population that embraces diversity; a country in which gay marriage may soon be a reality. Mr. Pant will discuss the challenges he has overcome as Asia's first openly gay MP, and in positioning Nepal as a progressive leader in LGBT rights. We can all learn from this pioneer."