**Discover the Unique Approach to Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan**
In a recent interview with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, he highlights the importance of achieving a balance between economic growth and sustainability to protect the natural beauty, culture, and people of Bhutan. The country has implemented a unique “Happiness Index” to measure the well-being of its citizens, prioritizing factors beyond just financial wealth.
Bhutan focuses on Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP), emphasizing the well-being of its people as a measure of success. The GNH index evaluates nine domains, including health, education, and environmental sustainability, to ensure sustainable growth.
The country’s tourism industry follows the policy of “high value, low volume,” limiting the number of tourists with a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to maintain environmental and cultural sustainability. The revenue from the SDF funds healthcare, education, and environmental protection efforts in Bhutan.
While aiming to increase the number of tourists to 300,000 per year, the Prime Minister stresses the importance of responsible tourism practices to protect the country’s infrastructure, environment, and culture. With a focus on sustainable growth and societal well-being, Bhutan sets an example for achieving economic prosperity while preserving its unique heritage.
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