Bhutan’s Department of Tourism has launched a new eco-tourism program targeting lesser-known rural regions like Lhuentse and Zhemgang. The project aims to reduce tourism pressure on popular sites like Paro and Thimphu and promote cultural preservation.
Local villagers are being trained in hospitality, trekking logistics, and wildlife conservation. The initiative is expected to generate over 5,000 new jobs by 2026. Tourists will be offered immersive experiences, including homestays, yak herding, and traditional weaving workshops.
Bhutan’s model is gaining praise across South Asia. West Bengal and Sikkim tourism officials are reportedly exploring collaborations for joint Himalayan circuits that include Bhutanese eco-villages and Indian heritage trails. The program also supports Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact” tourism vision, blending sustainability with community development.