In a bid to bolster tourism ties between Bhutan and India, the Department of Tourism of Bhutan recently concluded its inaugural Indian Tourism Roadshow across key cities in India. This five-day extravaganza, held from June 17-21, spanned Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, aiming to celebrate the 50th anniversary of tourism in Bhutan while enhancing summer arrivals.
The efforts have borne fruit, with a notable surge in Indian visitors. Statistics reveal a doubling of Indian tourists in May this year compared to April, amounting to 19,212 arrivals. Impressively, Indians constituted 58 percent of the total tourists to Bhutan in the first quarter of the year.
With ambitious goals in mind, Bhutan aims to attract 300,000 inbound tourists annually, gradually increasing the percentage of dollar-paying tourists to 70 percent. Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay emphasized Bhutan’s strategy of “high-value, low-volume” tourism, stressing the country’s limited capacity to accommodate mass tourism.
The roadshow itself was a resounding success, drawing over 600 companies and 700 Indian travel agents. Eighteen Bhutanese exhibitors, including leading tour operators, hotels, and airlines, showcased exclusive offers and packages tailored to Indian travelers.
Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, highlighted the event’s success in deepening connections with the Indian market. “The enthusiastic response from Indian travel agents underscores the strong interest in Bhutan as a premier travel destination,” she remarked.
Neha Jain, CEO of Spectrum Holidays, echoed these sentiments, praising the roadshow for providing invaluable insights into Bhutan’s tourism potential. “Bhutan’s proximity to Kolkata makes it an attractive destination, and we look forward to sending more visitors,” Jain noted.
The roadshow facilitated direct engagement between Bhutanese exhibitors and Indian travel professionals, fostering new partnerships and avenues for growth in tourism. It also served as a platform for fruitful discussions on business opportunities and unique travel experiences in Bhutan.
As Bhutan continues to enhance its tourism offerings, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to welcoming more Indian visitors to explore its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. With Bhutan emerging as a top choice for Indian travelers, particularly during the summer season, the future looks promising for this Himalayan kingdom as it charts a sustainable path towards tourism growth.
