Bhutans tourism industry continued to grow in 2016 contributing significantly towards socioeconom ic development through revenue and foreign currency. Move was initially to prevent chinese claims on bhutan as traditional chinese territory. This article evaluates bhutans tourism policy based upon three. This paper explores whether it is possible for ecotourism to benefit rural communities in bhutan and whether the rgobs policy is aligned with tourists. Honest and easy to read advice on how best to combine your bhutan holiday with the surrounding countries such as nepal, india and tibet along with useful flight times and travel suggestions. Shows roads, trekking routes, campsites, and peaks.
The information presented in the bhutan tourism monitor 2015, can help to inform and. Bhutan tourism travel guide, places to visit, tours and packages. Combining bhutan with other countries responsible travel. From january to september 2018, bhutan got 182,895 tourists. The purpose of this study is to explore the issues and challenges of tourism at bhutan and find the impact of tourism to gain experience from art, culture, lifestyle, etc. Word of mouth was the most effective and farreaching promoting tool for bhutan, according to tour operators and officials. May 06, 2016 no,there is not a possibility that these countries will merge into india or india would forcefully annex them. Surrounded by the himalayas, bhutan is a small country sandwiched between india and tibet, just east of nepal and north of bangladesh. However, tourism business begun its operation with 274 tourist in 1974 at the time of coronation of fourth king, his majesty jigme singye wangchuk and since then tourism business started growing. Bhutan tourist arrivals 20092019 data 20202022 forecast. In 1974 a total of 287 tourists visited the kingdom of bhutan. If you are a true traveller, loving to explore new territory that hasnt been discovered by the masses yet. However, bhutan has limited tourism infrastructure and during peak seasons facilities are packed.
Inbound tourism comprise the activities of a nonresident visitor to the country of reference on an inbound tourism trip. In 1907, bhutans political and religious leadership merged under the wangchuk dynasty, the. Enjoy centuries of traditions set amid views of forests and mountains with this trip through western bhutan. Bhutan tourism map from the bhutan department of tourism. In bhutan the tourism development committee was established with the following functions. The 10 best outdoor activities in bhutan tripadvisor. Led by the tourism council of bhutan, with the goals of a tourism industry that will act as a force for the conservation of environment and the promotion of cultural heritage. If you love encountering gentle people in a breathtaking nature. All tourism is guided so everyone goes to the same places, which causes some places to get ruined and worn down.
This page provides the latest reported value for bhutan tourist arrivals plus previous releases, historical high and low, shortterm forecast. The principle of highvalue, lowimpact tourism development, guiding tourisms growth in bhutan, is highly commendable and has undoubtedly contributed to the unique tourism brand of this country, said the world tourism organization unwto secretarygeneral, mr. As a result, today over 0 licensed tourist companies operate in. All you have to do is select the type of places youd like to include restaurants, museums, etc. No,there is not a possibility that these countries will merge into india or india would forcefully annex them. Glimpse of bhutan 2018 from tourism bhutan on vimeo.
Tourism for tomorrow awards destination stewardship award. With only around 14,800 square miles 38,400 square kilometers of territory, bhutan is roughly. Today tourism is a vibrant business with a high potential. Bhutan and sikkim have a separate history from india read. The number of tourists visiting bhutan increased to 2,850 in 1992, and rose dramatically to 7,158 in 1999. The secretariat on behalf of the tourism council of bhutan is pleased to present the bhutan tourism monitor report 2012 the annual tourism compendium of statistics, market trends, preferences, behaviour and market intelligence. You will hold your breath every second as you travel through the mountains, valleys, forests and remote villages of bhutan. Pdf bhutan is in economic terms highly dependent of tourism. Bhutan offers some of the best and most authentic travel experiences which you will never find anywhere else in the world. Sustainability of tourism 87 bhutan is keen to develop its tourism industry in a way that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
Bhutans tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Until 1991, then known as bhutan tourism corporation btc, a quasiautonomous and selffinancing body, implemented the governments tourism policy. Bhutan tourism information about travel, hotels, festivals and more welcome to bhutan. If youre hoping to travel right and learn more about responsible tourism in bhutan then weve compiled the following information and practical tips to help you learn how to travel like a local and ensure your experience is beneficial for both yourself and bhutan, as a whole. As a result, today over 0 licensed tourist companies operate in the country. Towards the end of 1970, the third king decided to open some restricted areas for tourism. Under a new livelihood development programme, wwf and the royal government of bhutan have developed an ecotourism project the homestay. In the event driven scenario where the bhutanese tourism industry manages. Aug 23, 2015 bhutan developed its tourism sector on its own will and steam. It offers warmer, wetter and wilder climes, tougher travel and, some would say, the real bhutan, untouched by group tourism or.
This important report brings to the fore the performance of the tourism industry in the year 20, market trends over the years, and various other analysis on the key aspects that provide signi. Bhutan is a relative newcomer to global tourism that has long been romanticised. Impacts of bhutans controlled tourism policy master of arts in. Being landlocked the country enjoys significant tourist influx from its neighbours tibet and india. This was an increase of about % as compared to the number of tourist arrivals in 2018 for the same period. Tourism in bhutan bhutan recorded a total of 274,000 tourists in 2018, ranking 161st in the world in absolute terms. Environmental impacts of tourism in bhutan the concept of tourism development in bhutan took place in post 1974 period during the reign of late majesty, king jigme dorji wangchuk in national assembly. The tourism council of bhutan bhutan began officially welcoming foreign visitors as tourists in 1974. As per the statistics with the tourism council of bhutan tcb, the estimated total tourist arrival in bhutan, as on september 2019, was 208,457. The crystal clear rivers of bhutan are one of the kingdoms best kept open secrets. Environmental impacts of tourism in bhutan free essays. I am happy to present the bhutan tourism monitor 20 an annual publication of the tourism. Taking tourism to the top bhutanese skit shown at bhutans 1st national tourism conference duration.
Bhutan travel guide about bhutan nestling high up in the himalayas, bhutans mysterious reputation is thanks largely to the government, which requires all visitors to join preplanned guided tours in a bid to limit the impact of tourism on the countrys culture and environment. Vinod dhall, senior consultant with inputs from mr hassan qaqaya, unctad. Tourism was however, privatized in 1991, facilitating private sector investment and activity. Bhutan s tourism development policy bhutan started tourism in the 1970s with a deliberately cautious approach combining both the experience of nature and culture with having minimum impact.
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. I am happy to present the bhutan tourism monitor 20 an annual publication of the tourism council of bhutan. This is to notify all concerned that the guideline on the operation and monitoring of commercial rafting, 2019 has been approved and uploaded on our website urism. It is the last great himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. For those wanting to avoid the busy tourist periods the winter months of. Many tourists may just leave their trash out because the parks dont have proper waste disposal.
Today tourism is a vibrant business with a high potential for growth and further development. The tourism council of bhutan has made it mandatory to produce the evidence of full prepayment of your tour in order to apply visa for you. Bhutan signed the 1949 treaty of friendship and renewed this in 2007 declaring india will help guide its foreign policy without interfering in the internal affairs or declaring bhutan as a protectorate. Thimpu is a peaceful and picturesque city located in the himalayas in bhutan. The tourists also pay no money to help out the rural places in bhutan and tourists manly buy food from the urban places not the farmers. All datasets were then merged to carry out data interpretation and analysis. Is there any chance in future that countries like nepal. Taleb rifai, during an official visit to the country in january 2011. Pdf impact analysis of etourism in bhutan researchgate. Bhutan developed its tourism sector on its own will and steam. This years report also presents a more detailed analysis of the regional segment of the. Ecotourism as a mechanism for sustainable development. This chapter explores tourism, which acts to promote the local economy, sociocultural changes, and lifestyle of the people residing in and around in bhutan.
Tourism for tomorrow awards destination stewardship award finalist. Bhutans cities and towns are nestled amidst the mountains and valleys of the himalayas, several being famous hubs for tourism. Promoting bhutan with other subregion countries like bangladesh, india and nepal as buddhist heartland and ecotourism destination had also contributed substantially. As of 2012, the annual growth rate of the bhutanese economy was 5. The winding roads east are for adventurers, weaving researchers and yeti hunters. That smaller countries regularly perform lower in a comparison of the absolute number of guests, is obvious. Bhutan started tourism in the 1970s with a deliberately cautious approach combining both. It should be recognized that tourism in bhutan has been sustainable so far due to the sound environmental and cultural policies of. The tourism income was an important source of revenue for bhutan because it contributed 56% of the national tax revenue in 2005.
Tourist arrivals in bhutan decreased to 6002 in december from 9189 in november of 2019. Promoting bhutan with other subregion countries like bangladesh, india and nepal as buddhist heartland and eco tourism destination had also contributed substantially. A visitor is a traveler taking a trip to a main destination outside hisher usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose. Youll start in the capital city of thimphu to experience bhutanese traditions as theyve evolved into the modern era, then descend into the glacial valley of phobjikha, the winter home of the blacknecked crane. Tourism for both international and indian tourists. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a wellprotected cultural heritage and natural environment. The country has been consistently nurturing the tourism sector as an. It should be recognized that tourism in bhutan has been sustainable so far due to the sound environmental and cultural policies of the royal government which has. Wangchuck centennial national park wcp in northern bhutan is the countrys largest conservation area and a huge draw for tourists, yet many of the regions residents struggle to make a living. Your visa will be given based on how early you can transfer your payment to your tour operator in bhutan.
With four millennia of habitation, the himalayan kingdom offers a trove of archaeological treasures, including many ornate temples and dzong fortresses. The process of development was a gradual one and first started in 1970 by the third king and implemented wisely by our fourth king. The tourism income was an important source of revenue for bhutan because it contributed 56%. Taking tourism to the top bhutanese skit shown at bhutan s 1st national tourism conference duration. Bhutan s tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Fed by the glacialmelt of the eastern himalayas, six major rivers wang chhu, sunkosh, puna tsang chhu, mangde chhu, kuri chhu and dangme chhu and their tributaries, have been scouted for kayaking and rafting.
An explanation requires examining the tourism policy of bhutan, studying the types of tourists who come to bhutan and considering the tourism management approaches taken by the tour operators. Central bhutan on the other hand sees fewer tourists and is a quieter, dreamier collection of alpine valleys and important monasteries. Isolation has preserved the heavily buddhistinfluenced culture of the last shangrila. For those wanting to avoid the busy tourist periods the winter months of december, january, february, are recommended. Most of these experiences will remain for your lifetime. Tourism market in bhutan is considered as a sustainable in nature guided by the principles of gross national happiness.
Economy of bhutan bhutan small population of just 774794 and the economy of the country is also very small. Bhutan tourism monitor annual report association of. Royal government of bhutan ministry of economic affairs national competition policy 2014 united nations committee on trade and development unctad report by mr. Positive impacts of bhutans controlled tourism policy findings from previous studies indicate that bhutans controlled tourism policy had positive impacts on the countrys economy.