Bhutan’s growing reputation, as one of the most preferred travel destinations, has been further validated by Bhutan’s consent to be a member of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay made the formal announcement at Mart event held at the Royal Banquet Hall in Thimphu, today.
Mart is a platform that allows sellers from different countries, including Bhutan, advertise their travel agency to the buyers of different countries across the world. Mart has 65 sellers from different countries including Bhutan.
“As a small nation, we do not have the resources of establishing ourselves in other countries but we have a large number of true friends abroad. We are very glad that many of our friends continue to visit Bhutan,” said the Prime Minister.
Tourism Council of Bhutan’s Spokesperson, Damcho Rinzin said PATA Adventure Travel, Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2015 are significant this year as it has been declared Visit Bhutan Year. “…these people can go and talk about what they can do in celebrating the 60th Birth Anniversary of our beloved Fourth Druk Gyalpo…”
The number of tourists visiting Bhutan has increased by 29 percent internationally and 3.11 percent regionally.
According to the Tourism Council of Bhutan, maximum numbers of tourists are from India followed by Thailand, China, the US and Germany. TCB also intends to target Brazil, Argentina, Australia and some European countries.
“We see Bhutan as a high end destination. Everything offered here is a nice range of experiences and beautiful places to stay,” said a buyer from Australia, Ryan Turner.
However, Lyonchhen cautioned that Bhutan should be mindful of the benefits of sustainable and responsible tourism. He added maintaining the conscious approach of ‘High-value and low-volume’ tourism is important.
