In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Department of Tourism (DoT) launched the ‘Tourism Bhutan’ mobile application, designed to enrich visitor experience by providing a comprehensive platform for tourists and service providers alike.
This app serves as a one-stop solution, enabling visitors to plan their trips, connect with local service providers, and share feedback, ensuring a seamless and rewarding travel experience.
The director of the DoT, Damcho Rinzin, said that the goal is for all potential visitors to download the app before they arrive in Bhutan, enabling them to plan their ideal vacation.
“This app will help tourists plan their trips by offering information on itineraries and places of interest,” said the Director. “We also plan to integrate a payment gateway system into the app, allowing tourists easy access to payment services.”
Currently, the app’s features are static, but the DoT plans to enhance its functionality based on user feedback. It is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
The tourism department also introduced the ‘Tashel ZoomDu’ initiative—a virtual platform for fostering communication within the tourism sector. This initiative allows tourism partners to submit ideas, concerns, and inquiries, which will be discussed in monthly Zoom meetings, promoting collaboration across the industry.
“We believe in building a thriving tourism industry, bringing people and cultures together, and promoting peace,” said DoT Director. “Tourism is a tool for peace and must be used to achieve the goals of tourism destinations.”
On September 27, 2024, the department celebrated World Tourism Day under the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’, reflecting Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its alignment with global efforts to promote harmony and happiness through travel.
During the event, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Employment, Namgyal Dorji, said that tourism should be an engine of growth. “We are exploring how best to share the benefits of tourism, not just in terms of revenue, but in terms of engaging with actual tourists,” Lyonpo said.
Lyonpo also pointed out the need for diversification in tourism offerings, as the current data indicate low returns from current tourist engagements.
“While we may not offer tourism in volume, we can certainly offer value through authentic, organic, and immersive experiences. It is all about how we package and market these destinations,” Lyonpo said.
Lyonpo also mentioned that the government has developed tailor-made projects to promote tourism. He said that Bhutan should be an all-year-round destination, with a focus on extending tourism to the eastern, southern, and central regions.
According to the DoT, around 78,235 tourists visited Bhutan between January and July 2024, including 54,618 Indian visitors and 23,617 international visitors, with strong numbers from the U.S., China, and Singapore.
