As part of its growing popularity as an international destination, the Kingdom of Bhutan has positioned itself as a destination that thrives on making Happiness its key denominator. India continues to be its top source market. With the latest regional arrivals touching 1,09,052 demonstrating an impressive growth of 57 per cent over last year, India remains as the biggest market for both regional and overall arrivals. As part of its India agenda, Tourism Council of Bhutan has focused on Gujarat as one of the key source markets to enhance it’s Indian footprint in the year 2016, through a road show targeted at key travel agents in Ahmedabad. This would be the first of many initiatives to tap the Gujarat market.
Unlike visitors from other countries, Indian visitors don’t require visa to visit Bhutan. The Tourism Council of Bhutan will soon launch an online permit system for the Indian traveler, wherein if they come through a Bhutanese tour operator or hoteliers, they can process the permits online in advance. This process will make travel convenient & easier.
A recent introduction of the Helicopter services will enable the visitor to a panoramic tour of the vibrant Bhutan natural and verdant landscape.
Tourism Council of Bhutan has been effectively promoting Bhutan – ‘Celebrate Happiness’ theme in key source markets, wherein India and South East Asia form a critical component. The marketing initiatives deployed globally are a combination of on ground promotions that include participation at key B2B / B2C exhibitions & roadshows in addition to working with Bhutan’s key stakeholders through activities that involve engagements with travel trade and international media.
Damcho Rinzin, Head, Marketing and Promotion Division, Tourism Council of Bhutan, “As a leading international tourism destination, Bhutan is seeking to diversify its source markets and attract new visitors. Countries like India are emerging more and more in the world outbound tourism sector, and Bhutan believes it could offer a special proposition to visitors from India. Further, international travelers to Bhutan are lured by the myriad of offerings that include heritage, culture, natural beauty and a range of quality world class hospitality and tourism industry which make a strong proposition for Bhutan as a destination.”
