Bhutan open to unlimited tourists, confirms Tourism Chief

The official further stated that Bhutan is not a mass tourism destination, but rather one that caters to high-value guests. Their goal is to attract a big number of high-value tourists looking to enjoy the country’s unique offerings. This ensures that every traveller enjoys a high-quality, authentic experience while also conserving Bhutan’s environment and cultural heritage.

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Bhutan has earlier imposed the sustainable development fee (SDF), according to which a visitor is required to pay USD 100, or INR 1,200 for Indian visitors, which helps the destination to achieve its sustainability goals. Although there is a cost associated with visiting this destination, reports add that tourism in Bhutan continues to thrive, especially as eco-tourism gains appeal around the world. Nimah dispelled the myth that Bhutan had a visitor limit, citing 2019, when the country received approximately 350,000 people, as an example of the government’s ability to manage large tourist arrivals.

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Bhutan’s opening its borders to international tourism. It has been welcoming travellers since 1974 to discover its unique spiritual, cultural, and natural assets. Although this sector accounts for less than 5% of Bhutan’s GDP, it plays an important part in its development. If reports are to go by, Indian travellers account for the majority of visitors, closely followed by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Nimah also underlined Bhutan’s goal of generating repeat visitors, adding that many people regard Bhutan as a ‘bucket list’ destination, visiting once but never returning. She advised visitors to go beyond popular destinations like Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, as Bhutan has much more to offer.

Bhutan, the world’s first carbon-negative country, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and all for good reasons. Its natural beauty, adventure tourism, and well-preserved culture are some of the highlights of this place. Bhutan has something for everyone, from historic trekking routes to one-of-a-kind gastronomic experiences.