Bhutan to Harness Regenerative Tourism and Private Sector Collaboration to Strengthen Ecotourism
Bhutan is increasingly recognizing ecotourism as a cornerstone of its sustainable development strategy. According to the Director of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Damcho Rinzin, while the sector has made significant strides in recent years, much remains to be done to unlock its full potential.
“There is a huge potential. There will always be a huge potential,” the Director emphasized, underlining Bhutan’s continued efforts to scale up and diversify its ecotourism offerings.
Under the Bhutan Integrated Tourism Master Plan, the government aims to foster private sector engagement by introducing a concessionary framework that incentivizes ecotourism development, supporting Bhutan’s vision of regenerative tourism focused on environmental, cultural, and community well-being.
Rinzin highlighted the importance of collaboration, posing the question: “Can we develop a concessionary framework that encourages the private sector to participate meaningfully in ecotourism?” He stressed that stronger linkages between public and private stakeholders are essential to accelerate responsible tourism growth.
Currently, the DoT is exploring mechanisms to incentivize businesses to incorporate ecotourism into their itineraries and packages. “What can we do for the private sector to integrate ecotourism into their plans?” Rinzin asked, reiterating that improved interconnectivity and partnerships are critical to building a cohesive ecosystem.
While Bhutan has witnessed a number of successful private initiatives in ecotourism, broader participation remains limited due to policy uncertainties, high entry costs, and insufficient incentive structures. To address this, the government is committed to creating a more predictable and supportive environment, ensuring that entrepreneurs feel encouraged to invest in eco-friendly ventures.
The Integrated Tourism Master Plan also envisions a collaborative model in which private operators share resources, expertise, and knowledge to develop compelling, eco-friendly visitor experiences. A significant component of this strategy involves international promotion. “We need to raise global awareness—especially among international tourists with an interest in nature and sustainability—that Bhutan offers a wealth of ecotourism opportunities,” Rinzin stated.
The DoT is working closely with conservation partners, including WWF and the Department of Forests and Park Services, to design distinctive wildlife-based experiences. These include initiatives such as tiger safaris, red panda encounters, and specialized wildlife viewing tours, aimed at showcasing Bhutan’s extraordinary biodiversity while reinforcing conservation objectives.
Rinzin emphasized that regenerative tourism will serve as a gateway for such eco-conscious travel experiences. “This presents a remarkable opportunity for us to promote ecotourism through unique and meaningful products that highlight Bhutan’s natural heritage,” he said.
Unlike traditional sustainability models, regenerative tourism actively seeks to restore and revitalize destinations. It relies on a holistic approach built on collaborative partnerships and engaged travelers who contribute positively to the destinations they visit.
Regenerative tourism is also closely aligned with Bhutan’s overarching national development philosophy, ensuring that tourism contributes to local livelihoods, environmental conservation, and cultural resilience.
“As we refine our approach, our emphasis will remain on creating a balanced, inclusive, and forward-looking tourism industry that maximizes ecological and social impact,” DoT’s Director said.
Bhutan is building a tourism sector that is economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally regenerative. The Bhutan Integrated Tourism Master Plan guides long-term development with regulatory support, community-driven initiatives, and conservation-focused policies.
Sherab Dorji from Paro
