Bhutan’s tourism sector staged a robust recovery last year, with visitor numbers climbing sharply and direct revenues from the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) reaching more than USD 43 million, according to the Annual Tourism Snapshot 2025.
Nearly 210,000 tourists visited Bhutan in 2025, marking an increase of over 44 percent compared to the 145,000 arrivals recorded in 2024. Visitors came from 157 countries, with steady growth observed throughout the year, signalling renewed global interest in the Himalayan kingdom after the pandemic slowdown.
India continued to dominate as Bhutan’s largest source market, accounting for about 62 percent of total arrivals in 2025, slightly down from nearly 65 percent the previous year. Other major markets included the United States, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Germany, Australia and Thailand.
On average, Indian tourists stayed four nights, while visitors from other countries spent around five nights in the country. This translated into a 49 percent jump in SDF revenue compared to 2024, when collections stood at USD 29 million, or roughly Nu 2.7 billion. The SDF is currently set at USD 100 per person per night for most international visitors, while Indian and Bangladeshi tourists pay Nu 1,200 and USD 15 per night respectively, with exemptions for certain age groups.
Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji said the figures highlight only a portion of tourism’s economic impact. “The revenue is only from the SDF collection. It does not include the money spent on food, hotels and airfare,” he said, adding that when indirect spending is factored in, tourism contributes an estimated 10 to 15 percent to the country’s GDP. He noted that the benefits extend beyond government coffers to hotels, hospitality services and other private businesses, reflecting a shared sense of responsibility across the sector.
New attractions are also helping to draw visitors. The Gelephu Mindfulness City has emerged as a major draw for travellers seeking distinctive and reflective experiences. Tourism experts attribute the broader resurgence to Bhutan’s strong global marketing push, including collaborations with international influencers and participation in major travel fairs.
Before the pandemic, Bhutan welcomed more than 300,000 tourists in 2019. The government has set its sights on matching that figure by this year. With visitor numbers climbing rapidly and a series of transformations planned across the country, industry observers say Bhutan’s ambition of reclaiming—and potentially surpassing—its pre-pandemic tourism peak now appears well within reach.
