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 acts as a one-stop shop, letting users arrange their travels, get in touch with neighborhood service providers, and submit feedback—all of which contribute to a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. The intention, according to DoT director Damcho Rinzin, is for all prospective tourists to download the app prior to their trip to Bhutan, allowing them to arrange their dream getaway.
“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.” Although the app’s features are static right now, the DoT intends to improve them in response to user input. You may download it on both the iOS and Android operating systems. The “Tashel ZoomDu” program, a virtual forum for promoting communication within the tourism industry, was also unveiled by the department of tourism.
“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. “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 added that the government has created specialized initiatives to boost travel. According to him, Bhutan ought to be accessible all year round, with an emphasis on expanding travel to the country’s eastern, southern, and central regions. Around 78,235 tourists, mostly from the United States, China, and Singapore, traveled to Bhutan between January and July 2024, comprising 23,617 foreign visitors and 54,618 Indian visitors.
