In a significant step toward positioning Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) as a global hub for wellness and sustainable tourism, authorities have unveiled 40 fresh tourism attractions and activities backed by a dedicated funding mechanism aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.
The initiative, announced during the recent GMC Tourism Investment Opportunity Forum, introduces the Tourism Spark Fund — a Nu 30 million catalytic pool designed to ignite private sector participation. It offers micro-grants, interest-free loans, and equity support to help turn ideas into reality, particularly for Bhutanese businesses of all sizes.
Officials presented a diverse portfolio of 20 attractions and 20 activities, spanning everything from adventure parks and capsule hotels to eco-lodges, glamping resorts, cultural experiences, water festivals, and alpine coasters. Investment scales range widely — from modest USD 100,000 projects suitable for small operators and young entrepreneurs to larger ventures exceeding USD 40 million. Flagship ideas emphasize mindfulness, wellness retreats, and experiential tourism that align with GMC’s vision of sustainable, low-impact development.
Rabsel Dorji, Managing Director of Tourism GMC, stressed the inclusive nature of the program: “This forum is really about opening the door wider. GMC is not only for large or foreign investors. It is designed as a platform for Bhutanese entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, family businesses, local operators, and young people.”
Proposals will be submitted through a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process, with evaluations focusing on strategic alignment with GMC’s mindfulness ethos, economic impact — including job creation and revenue potential — and commitment to sustainability. To ease access to capital, GMC has partnered with DK Bank for tailored financing options, complemented by business-friendly policies, tax incentives, and regulatory support.
Tourism is one of eight priority sectors in the ambitious Gelephu Mindfulness City project, envisioned as a forward-looking special administrative region that blends Bhutanese values with modern innovation. By prioritizing local involvement, the initiative aims to ensure that economic benefits flow directly to Bhutanese communities while preserving the kingdom’s unique cultural and environmental heritage.
As GMC transitions from planning to on-ground execution, the success of this tourism push will hinge on how swiftly local investors respond. For many observers, the message from the forum was unmistakable: Gelephu is extending a genuine invitation to Bhutanese entrepreneurs to help shape the country’s next major tourism destination, one mindful investment at a time.
This latest development signals strong momentum for GMC, potentially creating new employment avenues and positioning Bhutan as a leader in regenerative and wellness-focused travel in the region. Interested parties are encouraged to explore the EOI process and funding details through official GMC channels.
