Celebrating 50 years of Tourism in Bhutan

Bhutan’s Department of Tourism has unveiled a landmark campaign commemorating 50 years of tourism in the Himalayan kingdom. This year marks the golden jubilee since Bhutan opened its doors to the world in 1974. The festivities will commence on June 2nd and extend over a six-month period, culminating on December 17th, 2024, in honour of Bhutan’s National Day.

Bhutan’s tourism journey began five decades ago in 1974, coinciding with the Coronation of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. From the very beginning, Bhutan embraced a policy of “high value, low volume” tourism, and has remained committed to sustainable tourism long before it became a global trend. This approach aimed to generate revenue from tourism while also sharing Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with the world, ensuring a balanced and mindful development of its tourism sector.

The first group of tourists to Bhutan consisted of eight Americans, five Spaniards, and one Argentinian, who undertook a long and challenging journey by road, as no airlines were operational at that time. Like these pioneering 14 visitors, the allure and unique charm of a Himalayan kingdom drew hundreds more guests in the following years. However, it wasn’t until 1983, when Bhutan’s national airline Drukair launched, that tourism truly took off, making travel to and from Bhutan significantly more accessible.

Over the years, Bhutan has steadily welcomed more guests, with a peak in 2019 at around 320,000 guests per annum. Bhutan is the only country in the world to implement a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for all guests, which is currently charged at USD 100 per adult, per night. The funds from the SDF go towards various initiatives, including preserving the country’s pristine environment, maintaining its cultural heritage, providing free health care and education for all Bhutanese, and supporting sustainable development projects that benefit local communities.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate 50 years of tourism in Bhutan. This milestone is a celebration of what has been achieved since Bhutan opened its doors to the world, establishing itself as a unique, transformative and sustainable destination. As we honour the past five decades, we also look forward to a future where sustainable tourism continues to enrich our nation and connect us with the world. Join us to celebrate this important milestone,” said H.E. Tshering Tobgay, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bhutan, on the occasion.

To commemorate the golden jubilee of tourism, the Department of Tourism in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders and the private sector, will run a series of engaging activities throughout the campaign period including.

Bhutan Believe

Bhutan’s new national brand: “Bhutan Believe”, underscores the nation’s belief in a better future, led by wisdom from its past. The national tagline for Bhutan – Believe – is about believing in the future of Bhutan, as well as the potential, possibilities and opportunities that Bhutan offers in a rapidly evolving world. It’s also about believing in the values, the capabilities, the contributions and the potential of its citizens.

Bhutan’s visitor manifesto sums up this optimism with the message:

“We see a bright future. And we believe in our ability and responsibility to realize it together, and shine as a beacon of possibility in the world.”

The hope is we become what we believe in. We are asked to believe in ourselves, in our worth, and in Bhutan’s future, with hope and convictions.

Bhutan Visas and SDF

Applying for a visa (or permit) to Bhutan is simple. All visitors must have a visa and permit before traveling to Bhutan (except for tourists from India who can obtain a permit on arrival and those from Maldives and Bangladesh who can also obtain a visa on arrival). Visitors apply online for a visa or permit or via a Bhutanese Tour Operator or hotel.

It takes around five days to process a visa.

All guests must pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night (Concessionary rates apply for children) and a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of USD 40. Indian guests pay SDF of Nu/INR. 1,200 per person per night.

The SDF funds important cultural, environmental, health and educational projects across Bhutan. More information is available at: www.bhutan.travel