HIGH VALUE, LOW VOLUME TOURISM

Bhutan’s tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys an image of authenticity, remoteness and well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment. Today it is a vibrant business with nearly 400 private operators at the helm of affairs.

The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of high value, low impact/volume tourism which serves the purpose of creating an image of exclusivity and high- yield for Bhutan.

Fostering a vibrant industry as a positive force in the conservation of environment, promotion of cultural heritage, safeguarding sovereign status of the Nation for significantly contributing to Gross National Happiness is our vision.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is managed according to our absorptive capacity to ensure promotion of our natural and cultural heritage through high value tourism.

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. Its tremendous potential as a truly indigenous industry and the clear comparative advantages Bhutan enjoy make for a compelling logic to promote Bhutan as a high-end tourism destination in a manner which accords with the premises of Gross National Happiness.