Bhutan received almost 41,000 high-end tourists last year, exceeding the target of 35,000 tourists for the year by almost 17 percent. According to the State of the Nation report, the tourist arrivals have contributed to the creation of about 2,600 additional jobs last year.
Out of about 41,000 tourists who arrived in the country last year, about 28,000 were international tourist, while the rest of the tourists were from the neighbouring regions. About 6000 tourists’ arrivals were for leisure, business and conference.
There was about 56 percent growth last year compared to 2009. According to Lyonchhen Jigme Y Thinley, the tourism sector alone generated revenue of about 90 million US dollar last year
Lyonchhen said one of the major activities under Bhutan socio economic development is to develop a brand identity for tourism. He said a new logo and tagline called “Happiness is a place” has been developed.
To boost tourism a project titled ‘sustainable tourism development strategy’ has been developed in Zhemgang. Assessment of various hotels and restaurants has also been carried out for standardization.
Meanwhile, new tourism products are being identified for promotion. Various trekking and adventure routes are also being explored in eastern Bhutan.