Bhutan, located high in the Himalayas, stands out as a culturally and environmentally rich country. Known as the world’s last remaining Buddhist Kingdom, it fosters the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, focusing on well-being over GDP. Situated between Arunachal Pradesh and Nepal, Bhutan now offers visa-free access to India and Maldives, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, sits at an elevation of 7,700 feet and adheres to traditional architectural styles. The Bhutan Development Update in April 2024 indicates a robust economic recovery, with a 4.6 percent increase in GDP for the fiscal year 2022/23, driven by a surge in tourism. Projections for 2023/24 are even more optimistic, expecting growth to accelerate to 4.9 percent.
From January to March 2024, Bhutan received over 25,000 visitors, with 60% from India. March 2024 was the third-busiest month since reopening, with Indian tourists making up 57% of visitors. Bhutan expects around 150,000 Indian tourists this year, more than double the 2023 levels, according to Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.
Bhutan celebrates half a century of tourism with an India Road Show from June 17 to 21, 2024, highlighting its summer travel prospects. The roadshow will visit Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad, aiming to facilitate interactions among travel experts and uncover new business prospects.
Popular destinations in Bhutan include Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, and Wangdue Phodrang. The country saw a surge in tourism with 41,394 visitors in the first four months of 2024, compared to 26,465 in the same period in 2023, generating around USD 13 million from Sustainable Development Fees.
Source: Travel and Tour World