Over 17,000 tourists visited Bhutan last month, taking the total number of tourists for the first quarter to over 27,000. According to the March edition of the Monthly Tourism Bulletin, this is an increase compared to over 25,000 tourists during the same period last year. The Department of Tourism recorded an estimated revenue of over USD 6.15 M from Sustainable Development Fees alone in the first three months.
The Monthly Bulletin for March revealed that 9,925 tourists were from India, while 7,145 visitors came from countries such as China, America and Germany.
The majority of tourists enter the country via Phuentshogling and Paro International Airport.
Phuentshogling recorded 8,688 arrivals, while Paro International Airport 8,100 visitors. Only around 240 tourists entered through Samdrup Jongkhar, and 32 through Gelephu.
In January and February, over 10,000 tourists visited the country.
The Department of Tourism attributes the rising number of visitors to Bhutan’s growing visibility in key tourism markets and the development and promotion of new events alongside established national activities.
The department said that they are closely monitoring the monthly tourist arrivals to initiate more marketing.
This year, the department targets welcoming around 250,000 tourists.
Last year, over 145,000 tourists arrived in the country, generating more than Nu 2.6bn in revenue.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Sangay Chezom
