The tourism industry has revised its annual targets for tourist arrivals this year and next year to 150,000 and 250,000, respectively. This represents a reduction of 50,000 for each year compared to the initial target. The revision was highlighted in the Ministry of Finance’s Macroeconomic Situation Report for the fourth quarter.
According to the report, the revision is based on the actual number of tourists who have visited the country so far.
As of June, the country welcomed over 75,600 tourists, marking a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
The report states that around 69 per cent of tourists came from India, while the remaining 31 per cent arrived from countries other than India.
The country expects to see around 75,000 tourists during the peak tourist season before the year ends.
To boost the tourism sector, the government has announced the allocation of two billion ngultrum from its 15 billion ngultrum economic stimulus programme.
This budget will strengthen the sector’s resilience and support its recovery efforts.
Earlier this year, the government unveiled plans to host promotional events, such as Bhutan Festival Week, in major Indian cities and Bangkok to further entice tourists.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment has also announced efforts to make travel to Bhutan more accessible, including potential airfare subsidies.
Additionally, the ministry is implementing capacity-building initiatives aimed at upskilling tour guides, hotel staff, and other tourism-related personnel to enhance the overall visitor experience.
The ministry has set a goal to generate over Nu 2.5bn in annual revenue. Last year, the country’s tourism sector achieved a record annual revenue, with the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) alone exceeding Nu 2bn.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Tshering Zam
