Bhutan - 50 Years of Open Doors

Bhutan is rolling out the red carpet for luxury travellers as it celebrates 50 years since opening its gilded doors to the world. 

by Zachary Riskin

To mark this anniversary celebration, the Department of Tourism will hold a six-month campaign, culminating on December 17, in honour of Bhutan’s National Day. This day holds great cultural significance for Bhutan, and the celebration is a perfect opportunity for travellers to immerse themselves in the country’s unique heritage.

Bhutan’s positioning as a destination has always been unique, with its strong focus on high-value, low-volume tourism designed to ensure only positive impacts on the Himalayan kingdom’s rich culture. The country’s Sustainable Development Fee, introduced to all visitors in 2004, ensures that visitors to the nation appreciate and contribute to the preservation of Bhutan’s pristine landscapes and ancient traditions while also ensuring the people of the Kingdom benefit from international visitors. 

The programme has been a resounding success as post-pandemic tourist arrivals continue to rise, with revenue from the scheme used for carbon offsetting and to nurture the next generation of Bhutanese. At the same time new luxury lodges, including andBeyond Punakha River Lodge Zhiwa Ling Heritage and Pemako Punakha, cater to a new generation of luxury travellers to the remote Kingdom.

As it celebrates its important tourism milestone, the country also recently hosted its first film festival, the Kingdom of Bhutan International Film Festival (KBIFF), from 17-23 September. This festival promises a diverse lineup of films, providing an opportunity for both up-and-coming and established filmmakers to showcase their talents against the backdrop of Bhutan’s breathtaking scenery and special cultural heritage. 

Half a century after opening its door, Bhutan’s devotion to preserving its heritage and its unique emphasis on Gross National Happiness, ensures it remains a tempting destination for intrepid luxury travellers.