Introduction

The Druk Journal contributes to Bhutan’s growth as a democracy and as a modern nation. It is a vibrant public space in which we encourage our contributors to expand our national discourse by introducing new ideas and concepts into the Bhutanese conversation. Through regular publications, an interactive website, and open discussions after each edition, we engage Bhutanese society in conversation so that all citizens can exchange open and frank views on national policies and issues relevant to Bhutan. The Druk Journal hopes, not only to inform citizens, but to build a community of people who will take an active role, as individuals and as a community, in the development of analytical attitudes toward national policies. It is our hope that participation in such a community will encourage individuals to engage in policy research that can be made available to the government and larger Bhutanese society. The Druk Journal thus serves as a vehicle for the development of a society which is concerned about national issues and wants to participate in the development of policy by thinking publicly and through conversation. Such a community of thinkers will also draw on the experience of other countries in those areas of political, social, economic and cultural experimentation that are relevant to our own concerns. The Druk Journal is a nonpartisan publication. Our purpose is to serve the national interest through the development of serious conversation on issues from every possible constructive point of view. We have no editorial position of our own. We believe that our stated objectives and the means we will use to achieve them are the best way in which we can serve our country and His Majesty The King. We invite all interested citizens and friends of Bhutan to join us. We wish you Good Reading, Good Thinking, and Good Conversation.

Tourism in Bhutan

Autumn 2019 Volume 5, Issue II

Table of Contents

Editorial

A Deep Dive into Tourism in Bhutan

OVERVIEW

Tourism Policy – the Way Forward
Dorji Dhradhul

The Bhutan Brand
Koh Buck Song

The Risks of High Volume Tourism
David Keen

IMPACT OF TOURISM

Overwhelming Sacred Spaces
Siok Sian Pek-Dorji

Tourism and Transport
Phunstho Wangdi and Nidup Gyeltshen

Tourism and Hotels
Ugyen Penjor

The Concept of Ecotourism
Ngawang Gyeltshen

The Sacred Mountains of Bhutan – Reprints of Past Articles
The Druk Journal

TOURISM IN THE REGION

Tourism in Nepal
Sujeev Shakya

Tourism in the Himalayas
Lisa Choegyal

Tourism Trends in India
Nandini Mehta

Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Approach
Saroop Roy B.R.

Chinese Tourists in South Asia
Zhou Shengping

VIEWS ON TOURISM

Then and Now – Here Come the Japanese
The Druk Journal

Then and Now – Adventurers Lead the Way
The Druk Journal

Managing Numbers – An Environmentalist’s View
The Druk Journal

How Outsiders View Changes
Bjorn Melgaard and Claus Jorgensen