𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬

…𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅

By Kezang Choden

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has reported a steady rise in village homestays across the country, reflecting growing interest in rural tourism and community-based hospitality. According to official records, the country had 146 certified homestays in 2024, increasing to 165 this year. The growth signals a positive trend as more rural households open their doors to visitors.

Village homestays are certified by the Department of Tourism to ensure quality, safety, and an authentic Bhutanese experience. They are primarily located in rural areas, where visitors can access basic accommodation and traditional Bhutanese meals prepared with local ingredients. The initiative aims to provide immersive experiences, giving guests a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture, customs, and daily life.

For many rural families, homestays have become an important source of supplementary income. Most of these households depend on farming, and the additional earnings from tourism help improve their livelihoods. Communities report that the income supports household expenses, encourages the preservation of traditional practices, and motivates families to enhance cleanliness and hospitality standards.

The increasing number of certified homestays also reflects the success of nationwide efforts to promote sustainable tourism. By encouraging visitors to stay in villages, the programme distributes tourism benefits beyond urban centres and contributes to balanced regional development. With travellers seeking meaningful and authentic experiences, Bhutan’s village homestays continue to grow in popularity. The Department of Tourism expects the numbers to rise further as communities gain confidence and recognize the long-term economic and cultural value of hosting guests.

The DoT has reported increasing demand for authentic rural and community-based experiences, with travellers seeking immersive stays that offer closer connections to local culture and daily life. Village Homestay Services (VHS) are now seen as a strong match to these preferences, providing unique interactions and traditional living experiences that visitors value.

National policy has also played a significant role in this growth. The Bhutan Integrated Masterplan 2025–2034 places stronger emphasis on inclusive and community-driven tourism. It outlines support for community-based initiatives, including the development and promotion of homestays across rural regions. The Department of Tourism highlighted that ongoing skills development programs and regulatory certification have further strengthened the sector. These initiatives help ensure service quality and build confidence among both homestay owners and visitors.

The success of well-known homestays in Haa, Gangtey-Phobjikha, Punakha and Khoma in Lhuntse has become a motivating factor for many new hosts, encouraging them to join the growing network of VHS operators. Village homestays are also emerging as an important avenue for economic empowerment, particularly for rural households and women. Community-based and women-led VHS provide families with opportunities to diversify their income beyond subsistence farming and participate more actively in the tourism economy.

Tshewang Lhamo, the owner of Ngawang Homestay in Tamzhing, Bumthang, shared that she has been operating her homestay for the past three years. During this time, she has focused on providing visitors with an immersive rural experience, allowing guests to witness and participate in everyday activities practiced by the local community. She explained that guests are encouraged to engage in field-based experiences that reflect the traditional livelihood of the area.

“In addition to this, authentic local dishes are served in the traditional way, giving visitors a genuine taste of Bumthang’s culinary culture,” Tshewang said. She added that her husband plays an important role in enriching the guest experience. “He often entertains visitors with old traditional songs accompanied by traditional musical instruments, creating an atmosphere that reflects the region’s heritage and values.” She noted that the income from the homestay has helped her sustain her family and improve their livelihood. “The continued interest from visitors motivates me to further strengthen the services and cultural experiences offered at the homestay,” she said.
Ugyen Village Homestay in Paro Dzongkhag, established in 2017, has been operating smoothly while adhering to the guidelines set by the Department of Tourism. The homestay has become a preferred choice for visitors seeking an authentic rural experience rooted in Bhutanese tradition and culture. According to the owner, Ugyen, the primary aim of the homestay is to showcase the traditional Bhutanese way of life.

“Guests are offered an opportunity to witness and engage in everyday cultural practices that reflect the country’s rich heritage,” he said. “The homestay serves only authentic Bhutanese dishes prepared using local ingredients, allowing visitors to enjoy genuine flavours that are often lost in modern settings.” Ugyen added that visitors are always welcomed with warmth and treated like family members. “This personal approach has helped the homestay build a reputation for comfort, hospitality and cultural richness.” Over the years, Ugyen Village Homestay has contributed to promoting community-based tourism while supporting local livelihoods in Paro.

The DoT stated that the Bhutan Integrated Masterplan stresses closer partnerships between the government, private sector, tour operators and rural communities. According to officials, this combined effort is aimed at creating a solid framework to develop new tourism products that benefit communities while maintaining Bhutan’s cultural identity. The masterplan places strong focus on skills development for homestay owners across rural regions. Training programmes now include hospitality skills, guest handling, cultural preparation, and ways to present local experiences in a more organized manner. Officials noted that such training gives both visitors and service providers greater confidence in community-based tourism.

The DoT also emphasized the need to promote ecotourism in conservation and protected areas. Village homestay services, birdwatching trips and nature-based experiences are being identified as key products that can support conservation while providing rural households with income. Digital transformation is another priority outlined in the masterplan. Modern marketing methods and online platforms will help village homestays reach a wider audience. Improved visibility is expected to attract travellers interested in authentic cultural and environmental experiences.
Product diversification and regional balance remain central to the plan. By encouraging communities across different dzongkhags to develop tourism products based on their unique strengths, the Department of Tourism aims to provide new opportunities for village homestays and strengthen the rural economy.