𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Kezang Choden

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB), in collaboration with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), will host the sixth Bhutan Hospitality and Food Fair 2025 from August 20 to 24 at the Changlimithang Stadium Parking in Thimphu. The five-day event promises to be a celebration of innovation, promotion, and excellence in Bhutan’s growing hospitality industry. It aims to bring together hoteliers, restaurants, chefs, and service providers to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest trends in hospitality.

The fair will serve as a platform for national and international industry players to network, share ideas, and build partnerships. As Bhutan advances its vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a special administrative and economic zone, the 2025 Hospitality and Food Fair aligns with the country’s goal to promote mindful tourism, attract global investment, and support wellness-based infrastructure.

Kuenzang Thinley, Vice Chairman of HRAB, said the association is targeting 100 participants to book stalls and showcase their offerings to both national and international audiences. “So far, 70 participants have expressed interest, and organizers remain hopeful that more will come forward in the coming days,” he added.

The Bhutan Hospitality and Food Fair 2025 aims to spotlight innovative solutions in the hospitality sector from across the country and beyond. A key focus of the event is to connect suppliers with key buyers and decision-makers, while promoting sustainable and locally produced goods. The fair also aligns with Bhutan’s broader economic vision, including the development of GMC. It is expected to generate meaningful business linkages, stimulate GDP growth, and create job opportunities for aspiring professionals in the sector.

The upcoming event is expected to bring significant benefits and positive impacts to the hospitality industry. It aims to foster business linkages, support market expansion, and encourage the sharing of skills and knowledge. The event will also open doors to investment opportunities, particularly for Gelephu, while contributing to the broader growth of Bhutan’s hospitality sector. By showcasing Bhutan’s hospitality potential on a national and international stage, the event will play a key role in enhancing the country’s brand image. Supplier presentations and new product launches are also scheduled, offering a platform for innovation and collaboration within the industry.

Karma Namgyel, Manager of Hotel Phuntsho Pelri in Thimphu, said the hotel will participate in the upcoming event with enthusiasm. The hotel will set up a pastry and café stall during the five-day event, aiming to engage with the public and promote its newly launched café. According to Karma Namgyel, the main objective is to invite visitors to sample a variety of pastries freshly baked by two of their in-house chefs. “We want people to taste what we offer and to know more about our café, which opened earlier this year on February 28,” he said. He added that both chefs behind the pastry creations are Desuups, reflecting the spirit of service and community. “They are very passionate and see this event as an opportunity to learn, share, and grow professionally,” he noted.

The stall will not only feature a selection of sweet treats and beverages but also serve as a platform to introduce Café Phuntsho Pelri to a broader audience. The management hopes this participation will enhance their brand visibility, attract new customers, and build connections within the hospitality sector. The fair is expected to draw a diverse crowd including hoteliers, restaurateurs, suppliers, investors, and the general public. Hotel Phuntsho Pelri’s presence at the event aligns with the broader aim of promoting innovation, local talent, and excellence in Bhutan’s hospitality industry.

Sanjay Jalan, owner of Shri Balaji, is preparing to tap into Bhutan’s growing hospitality sector with optimism. Shri Balaji is a Kolkata-based solution provider with over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry across eastern and northeastern India. Known for its reliable service and quality products, Shri Balaji specializes in room amenities considered essential for hotels. These include items such as toiletries, linens, housekeeping supplies, and guest comfort accessories that enhance the overall experience for visitors. The company has built strong relationships with hotel chains and independent properties throughout the region by offering customized solutions and consistent support.
Speaking about his upcoming participation in the event, Sanjay Jalan expressed enthusiasm to explore new business opportunities in Bhutan. He believes that Bhutan’s tourism and hospitality industry is on the rise and presents a promising market for quality suppliers. “We see a lot of potential here.

Bhutan is focusing on sustainable and quality tourism, and we hope to contribute to that by supporting hoteliers with dependable products,” he said. He aims to establish long-term partnerships with local hotels, resorts, and hospitality businesses. Jalan added that such events are crucial for connecting suppliers with hoteliers and understanding the unique needs of the local market. “It’s not just about selling products. It’s about building trust, learning from each other, and growing together.”

As part of its diverse lineup of activities, the fair will feature live cooking demonstrations and culinary competitions, giving visitors a taste of both traditional and modern gastronomy. Local and regional cuisines will take center stage, offering an immersive food experience for attendees. Chefs are expected to showcase authentic dishes, innovative culinary techniques, and fusion recipes. These events are expected to attract hoteliers, restaurateurs, culinary students, and food enthusiasts alike.

One of the key highlights of this year’s edition is the fair’s role as a sourcing and partnership gateway for services required in the GMC. Beyond showcasing products, the event emphasizes skills development, cultural exchange, and business linkages. Through culinary displays, live tastings, and professional competitions, participants will gain exposure to evolving industry standards and consumer trends. The fair will not only boost local businesses but also promote Bhutanese cuisine and hospitality talent on a national and international stage.