Transforming ecotourism in Bhutan: Towards green, inclusive and high-value competitive ecotourism

Bhutan’s ecotourism sector is a cornerstone of the country’s sustainable development vision, grounded in its High-Value, Low-Volume tourism model and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. As tourism rebounds in the post-COVID-19 period, the sector presents significant opportunities to support economic recovery, rural livelihoods, and environmental conservation. At the same time, growing visitor pressure, climate change impacts, workforce shortages, and regional disparities pose complex challenges to the long-term sustainability of ecotourism.

This technical note examines the current state of ecotourism in Bhutan within its economic, social, environmental, and climate change contexts. Drawing on policy analysis, stakeholder consultations, and field insights, it identifies key risks and gaps related to natural resource pressures, climate vulnerability, gender inequality, and institutional coordination. The document highlights the need for an integrated and holistic approach that aligns national priorities with regional frameworks, including ICIMOD’s Moving Mountains 2030 Strategy.

The note proposes a set of actionable policy recommendations to promote environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically competitive ecotourism. It emphasises strengthening climate resilience, greening tourism supply chains, enhancing workforce capacity, reducing spatial imbalances, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. By doing so, the report positions Bhutan as a potential global benchmark for sustainable and climate-resilient mountain ecotourism.