Bhutan Tourism Policy
The Kingdom of Bhutan opened its doors to tourism only in 1974 under a regulated programme. In 1991, the Royal Government of Bhutan privatized the tourism to encourage increased private sector participation in the tourism industry. Today there are more than 150 licensed tours operators in the country. After the privatization, the Department of Tourism (DOT), under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Bhutan was established with the primary responsibilities as the facilitating and regulatory body.
The Royal Government of Bhutan has been always aware that an unrestricted flow of tourist can have adverse impacts on Bhutan’s unique culture and traditions and its pristine environment. Bhutan, therefore, adopted a policy of "Low Volume and High Value" tourism, on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. Having given such importance and controlling the flow of tourists right from the beginning, Bhutan is now a living Museum, rich in culture, tradition, religion, history and has successfully preserved its environment in its pristine form.
Though there is no quota or limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit Bhutan, the volume of tourists visiting to Bhutan is rather regulated to a manageable level because of the constraints of tourism infrastructure and high tourist tariff set by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
