Press Release

Over 25,000 guest arrivals between January and March 2024, doubling last year’s numbers

(Thimphu, Bhutan, April 02, 2024) – Bhutan welcomed 25,003 guest arrivals between January 01 – March 31, 2024, compared with 12,696 arrivals in 2023 during the same period. March 2024 recorded 14,822 arrivals, making it the third busiest month since reopening, following May 2023 (16,609) and October 2023 (16,465).

Visitor Demographics: In 2024, 60% of visitors originated from India, while 40% came from various international markets such as the US, China, the UK, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, and Canada. In March 2024, Indian tourists accounted for 57% of arrivals, while 43% were international guests.

Growth Rates: Compared to Q1 2023, notable increases in arrivals were observed:

• India: +77%
• USA: +97%
• UK: +84%
• Japan: +230%
• Thailand: +325%
• Singapore: +256%
• Australia: +46%
• Canada: +74%
• Europe: Swiss (+134%), Italians (+297%), Dutch (+127%), Spaniards (+165%), Germans (+184%), French (+300%), Belgians (+493%)

According to Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer of the Department of Tourism, the 97% increase in guest arrivals was influenced by factors such as:

• Reduction in the Sustainable Development Fee to USD 100 per night.
• Increased global awareness through marketing and media coverage.
• Bhutan’s inclusion in top travel lists for 2024.
• Expansion into new global markets and year-round tourism promotion.

Bhutan’s Department of Immigration confirmed that these statistics account for tourists only.