More travellers are now heading to the land of the thunder dragon, as Bhutan records a notable increase in tourist arrivals last year. It has contributed little over USD 43 M, that is close to Nu 4bn, in direct revenue from the Sustainable Development Fee. This is as per the Annual Tourism Snapshot 2025, signalling a strong comeback for the tourism sector.
A steady growth of arrivals was observed throughout the year, represented by visitors from 157 countries.
Bhutan welcomed nearly 210,000 tourists last year. It is an increase of over 44 per cent compared to 2024. Some 145,000 tourists visited Bhutan in 2024.
About 62 per cent of the total arrivals in 2025 were from India compared to nearly 65 per cent in 2024. India remained the largest source market, followed by the USA, China, Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Germany, Australia and Thailand.
Indian tourists visited for an average length of stay of four nights, while tourists from other countries stayed five nights.
And that gave Bhutan a direct revenue of little over 43 million dollars. This was a 49 per cent increase compared to USD 29 M generated in 2024.
The SDF is currently 100 dollars per person per night for all visitors except those from India and Bangladesh, who have to pay 1200 ngultrum and 15 dollars per night, respectively, with some exemptions for children.
Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji said, “The revenue is only from the SDF collection. It does not include the money spent on things like food, hotels and airfare. If all of these expenses are calculated, the tourism sector is taking the responsibility of contributing to the GDP by 10 to 15 per cent. The tourism sector doesn’t mean it’s only the government. It benefits the private sector, such as hotels, hospitality services and other businesses. It’s a sign that all involved are taking their responsibilities seriously.”
The Gelephu Mindfulness City has emerged as a key attraction, drawing travellers seeking unique experiences. Experts say it is the strong global marketing push, through international influencers and major travel fairs, that Bhutan has gained worldwide attention.
More than 300,000 tourists visited Bhutan in 2019 before the pandemic. The government wants to match that number by this year.
With Bhutan now firmly on the global tourism map, that seems achievable, given the flurry of transformations yet to take place in the country.
Kelzang Chhophyel/Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
