Tourism in Bhutan

Tourism in Bhutan began in 1974, when the Government of Bhutan, in an effort to raise revenue and to promote Bhutanese unique culture and traditions to the outside world, opened its isolated country to foreigners. In 1974 a total of 287 tourists visited the Kingdom of Bhutan. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan increased to 2,850 in 1992, and rose dramatically to 7,158 in 1999. By the late 1980s tourism contributed over US$2 million in annual revenue.

Though open to foreigners, the Bhutanese government is aware of the environmental impact tourists can have on Bhutan's unique and virtually unspoiled landscape and culture. Accordingly, they have restricted the level of tourist activity from the start, preferring higher-quality tourism. Initially, this policy was known as "high value, low volume"High Value Low Volume. KuenselOnline (2015-08-21). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. tourism. It was renamed in 2008 as "high value, low impact", "a subtle but significant shift". While the low impact is guaranteed through the low number of visitors, it is a requirement to be wealthy to travel Bhutan,Kent Schroeder, Politics of Gross National Happiness: Governance and Development in Bhutan, Cham (Switzerland): Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, 54–55. which leaves room for criticism and the question whether one has to be wealthy to be a "high value tourist". For tourists a US$ 100 per person per day fee is imposed, except for Indian, Maldivian, and Bangladeshi nationals. In 2005 a document called "Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy" "placed greater emphasis on increasing tourist numbers by using the country's culture and environment to promote Bhutan as an exotic niche destination attractive to wealthy tourists".Kent Schroeder, Politics of Gross National Happiness: Governance and Development in Bhutan, Cham (Switzerland): Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, 54–55. The most important centres for tourism are in Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, and in the western city of Paro, Taktshang, a cliff-side monastery (called the "Tiger's Nest" in English) overlooking the Paro Valley, is one of the country's attractions. This temple is sacred to Buddhists. Housed inside the temple is a cave in which the Buddhist Deity who brought Buddhism to Bhutan meditated for 90 days in order to spread Buddhism. The temple has been standing for well over a thousand years.

In order to grow and promote tourism while encouraging sustainability and community development, the Department of Tourism (DoT) launched the "Friends of Tourism" initiative on 28 December 2024 at the Changyul Park to celebrate a historic milestone for Bhutan’s tourism industry—the Druk Thuksey Medal conferred to the industry by His Majesty The King. The program's goal is to bring people and organisations together as partners in order to support Bhutan's goals, develop the country's tourism industry, and provide meaningful experiences. Additionally, the DoT started a monthly tourism bulletin to update stakeholders on developments in the sector. According to the bulletin report, 15,990 tourists visited Bhutan in November 2024. Of these, 7,034 were international tourists, while 8,956 were from India. An estimated 7,986 visitors arrived via Paro International Airport, 8,018 via the Phuentsholing Integrated Check Post, 41 by Samdrupjongkhar, and 16 via Gelephu each.

+Yearly tourist arrivals in thousands

Travel operators in Bhutan

The Bhutanese government privatised the Bhutan Tourism Corporation (BTC) in October 1991, facilitating private-sector investment and activity. As a result, over 75 licensed tourist companies operate in the country. Previously, all tourists (group or individual) had to travel on a planned, prepaid, guided package-tour or according to a custom-designed travel-program. Potential tourists had to make arrangements through an officially approved tour operator, either directly or through an overseas agent.

Visa to Bhutan Bhutan's tourism policy was further revised in June 2022 to maintain its 'High Value, Low Volume' policy and all nationalities had to pay US $200 as a Sustainable Development Fee per night to obtain a visa to Bhutan, while Indian nationals have to pay 1,200 INR to obtain a permit. Starting from August 2023, the SDF decreased to $100, while the amount for Indians, stayed the same. However, travelers can now arrange their own accommodations and itinerary when traveling in the country.

Almost all nationalities need to pre-arrange their visa or permit prior to visiting Bhutan based on the updated visa policy of Bhutan.

Airlines

Druk Air, founded in 1981, used to be the only airline operating flights in Bhutan, until the liberalization of the aviation industry with the introduction of Bhutan Airlines in December 2011.

Arrivals by country In 2019, the country saw its highest number of tourists yet, at more than 315,000 people. The growth was boosted by the Asia-Pacific market, notably from India, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Australia, Japan, China, Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia and South Korea. Western markets also increased, notably from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

Most visitors arriving to Bhutan on a short-term basis were from the following countries:Tourism Council of Bhutan (2014) BHUTAN TOURISM MONITOR. Annual Report 2013.Tourism Council of Bhutan (2016) Tourism Council of Bhutan (2017)

Country or territory 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 230,381 191,836 172,751 114,301 13,016 10,450 10,536 7,753 11,707 10,561 9,220 7,292 7,137 7,291 6,997 6,102 7,564 6,878 6,421 9,208 9,399 8,111 4,827 3,816 998 6,048 1,035 4,744 3,886 4,129 3,015 2,587 1,720 2,051 4,241 3,585 3,246 3,124 2,958 2,680 2,309 2,491 4,086 3,886 4,047 4,177 3,778 12,105 3,527 3,617 3,375 3,422 2,970 2,297 2,498 2,971 2,770 2,895 3,153 2,739 2,249 1,818 1,833 2,037 2,062 1,950 3,010 2,674 2,744 4,833 2,437 2,707 4,035 7,029 2,761 3,140 2,956 1,967 1,546 2,067 2,054 1,312 2,072 1,961 1,423 1,953 1,773 1,545 1,501 1,563 1,636 1,572 1,863 1,912 1,089 1,101 1,870 1,807 1,524 1,110 1,659 1,397 1,142 1,496 1,491 1,812 1,379 1,352 1,229 978 1,033 757 Others 20,007 Total 315,599 274,097 237,529 209,570 155,121 133,480 116,209 105,407

UNESCO Tentative List of Bhutan

In 2012, Bhutan formally listed its tentative sites to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It was the first time Bhutan listed its sites to the organization for future inclusion. Eight sites were listed throughout the country.Bhutan. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved on 2020-07-28.

Site Image Location Proposed criteria Year Listed as Tentative Site Description Refs Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong Paro District Cultural2012 The site includes the ruins of a fortress-Buddhist monastery built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649. In 2016, the Bhutanese government announced that the monastery will be rebuilt to its former glory.Drukyul’s victory rises to The Gyalsey – KuenselOnline. Kuenselonline.com (2016-02-07). Retrieved on 2020-07-28.Ancient Ruin of Drukgyel Dzong. UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Dzongs: the centre of temporal and religious authorities (Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong) Multiple Cultural2012 The site includes five dzongs significant to Bhutanese history, namely, Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong.Dzongs: the centre of temporal and religious authorities (Punakha Dzong, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, Paro Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Dagana Dzong). UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants Multiple Cultural2012 The site includes Tsedong Phug, Gawa Phug, Langthang Phug, Sengye Phug, Gom Drak, Thukje Drak, Tsechu Drak, Dechen Drak, Taktsang Sengye Samdrub Dzong, Tago Choying Dzong, Lingzhi Jagoe Dzong and Yangtse Thubo Dzong.Sacred Sites associated with Phajo Drugom Zhigpo and his descendants. UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Tamzhing Monastery Bumthang District Cultural2012 The site is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan.Tamzhing Monastery. UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) Multiple districts Natural2012 The site is the oldest national park in Bhutan.Royal Manas National Park (RMNP). UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) Multiple districts Natural2012 The site is the second largest national park in Bhutan.Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP). UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary Trashiyangtse District Cultural2012 The site is an important bird area in the Himalayas.Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) Multiple districts Cultural2012 The site was established to protect a mythical race known as migoi, as well as the wildlife within the site.Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS). UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2020-07-09). Retrieved on 2020-07-28.

Criticism of the "high quality, low volume" principle While Bhutan is successful in limiting the numbers of tourists who enter the country,Bhutan saw highest number of tourists last year – BBS | BBS. Bbs.bt (2018-04-13). Retrieved on 2020-07-28. with its principle of "High Quality, Low Volume"Nyaupane, Gyan P. and Timothy, Dallen (2016) "Bhutan’s Low-volume, High-yield Tourism: The Influence of Power and Regionalism". Travel and Tourism Research Association: Advancing Tourism Research Globally. it can be argued, that a "high quality tourist" needs to be a wealthy tourist, because the hurdle of visiting Bhutan is mainly posed by the high pricing and not by actual interest or mindfulness.Schroeder, Kent (2017). "The Last Shangri-La?". Politics of Gross National Happiness: Governance and Development in Bhutan. Cham (Zug): Springer. p. 55. . Retrieved 25 January 2020. To drive increased tourism revenues, the earlier approach of 'high value, low volume' was replaced by 'high value, low impact'. This represented a subtle but significant shift.

Tourism in Bhutan

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