Bhutan Wins Award for ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence’
At the 18th National Geographic Traveler China Awards Ceremony
(Thimphu, January 15, 2024): Bhutan has been honored with the ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence Award’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler China Golden Awards Ceremony, marking the first award Bhutan has received in the China market.
The awards ceremony took place on December 28th, 2023, at the ZHENGDA Center in Beijing and acknowledged outstanding accomplishments in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and destinations.
Award Selection Process
The winners were determined based on three key criteria:
- Destinations that gained significant traveler attention in 2023.
- Destinations playing a vital role in international relations.
- Destinations excelling in sustainable development and cultural heritage.
This award solidifies Bhutan’s position as a leading travel destination for Chinese travelers seeking environmental consciousness and cultural immersion.
About National Geographic Traveler
National Geographic Traveler is a globally renowned magazine dedicated to responsible and sustainable travel. It encourages travelers to explore the world while being mindful of their environmental impact. The Chinese edition of the magazine will publish a special article on WeChat covering this award ceremony.
Social Media Influence
National Geographic Traveler China has:
- Over 220,000 followers on WeChat.
- Over 1.74 million followers on Weibo.
“We are delighted and thrilled by Bhutan’s triumph in being awarded the National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s 2023 18th Golden Award for Outstanding Destination Excellence. This esteemed accolade not only underscores Bhutan’s unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled travel experiences but also serves as a testament to the nation’s distinctive allure.”
– Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Department of Tourism
About the Department of Tourism
The Department of Tourism of Bhutan promotes sustainable tourism in Bhutan, guided by the principles of high-value, low-volume tourism. It aims to showcase Bhutan’s remarkable places, people, and experiences to conscious travelers.
Bhutan Believe
Bhutan’s national brand, “Bhutan Believe”, represents the country’s commitment to a better future. The tagline signifies belief in Bhutan’s future, opportunities, and cultural values.
Visa and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All visitors (except those from Bangladesh, Maldives, and India) must obtain a visa before traveling to Bhutan. The visa processing takes approximately five days.
- The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is USD 100 per person per night.
- A non-refundable visa application fee of USD 40 applies.
- Indian visitors pay an SDF of Nu/INR 1,200 per person per night.
The SDF supports Bhutan’s cultural, environmental, health, and educational projects. More information is available at: www.bhutanonlinevisa.com