𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐩 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

… 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒃𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒘

By Kezang Choden

Bhutan recorded a strong increase in tourist arrivals in January 2026, reflecting steady recovery and growing interest in the country as a travel destination, while new figures also highlight a persistent gender gap in the country’s tour guiding sector.

According to the Monthly Tourism Bulletin released by the Department of Tourism, a total of 10,627 tourists visited Bhutan during the month, an increase of 5,676 visitors compared to January 2025.

The average length of stay in January stood at four days for Indian tourists and five days for visitors from other countries, indicating a stable travel pattern with most visitors spending close to a week exploring destinations across the country.

Paro remained the main port of entry, followed by Phuentsholing. Other entry points such as Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar and Samtse recorded comparatively lower numbers, continuing a trend seen in previous months.

India continued to be Bhutan’s largest source market in January, contributing the highest number of visitors by a wide margin. Bangladesh, the United States, China and Malaysia followed, while arrivals from Europe, Australia, Nepal and the Republic of Korea showed modest figures.

The bulletin also highlighted growth in tourism services, reflecting an expanding workforce to support rising arrivals. As of January, Bhutan had 3,280 registered tour guides, with cultural and trekking guides forming the largest group. The tourism sector recorded a total of 2,930 registered tour operators, with 16 new operators registered in January alone. Accommodation facilities across the country stood at 442, indicating steady capacity to support visitor inflow.

However, the latest figures also reveal a significant gender imbalance within the guiding profession, raising questions about inclusivity as the sector expands.

Referring to the Monthly Tourism Bulletin of Bhutan, January 2026, the report shows that of the 3,280 registered tour guides, the majority are men. Among cultural and trekking guides, male guides number 2,340, compared to 380 female guides. Cultural guides show a similar pattern, with 486 males against 30 females. The disparity is even more pronounced in senior guide and tour leader categories, where female representation is almost negligible.

The figures highlight that compared to men, the number of female tour guides remains very low, pointing to a persistent gender gap in Bhutan’s tourism services sector at a time when visitor numbers are increasing.

The Rinchen Training Institute reported that its current intake is the second batch to include female participants, with four women enrolled out of a total of 18 trainees. The institute noted that while overall participation by women remains limited, the presence of female trainees marks a gradual shift toward greater inclusion in the tour guiding profession.

Training officials said that growing interest among women reflects increasing awareness of opportunities in the tourism sector, particularly as the industry recovers and diversifies. However, they acknowledged that more targeted efforts are needed to encourage female participation, including improved access to training, stronger safety assurances and clearer career pathways. The institute added that sustained support and policy attention will be key to narrowing the gender gap in Bhutan’s guiding services in the coming years.

Thinley Tobgay from Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag, currently residing in Thimphu, is a graduate of the first batch of the Rinchen Training Institute’s cultural guide programme. He completed his Class 12 education from Gaselo Higher Secondary School in Wangduephodrang in 2020.

Sharing his experience, Thinley said he joined the cultural guide training to understand the journey of a tour guide and to gain wider exposure through interaction with guests from different backgrounds.

He also pointed out that the guiding profession has emerged as a well paying career option in recent years, offering better income prospects compared to many private and government sector jobs.

According to him, the scope for tour guides in Bhutan is expanding steadily. He said guiding has become a profitable profession that also offers greater flexibility and work life balance.

Thinley highlighted that His Majesty’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to attract foreign investors and tourists while safeguarding Bhutan’s culture, values and environment.

In this context, he noted that the country will require more trained and experienced guides to lead visitors responsibly and educate them about Bhutan, creating benefits for both the nation and guides through economic growth.

Reflecting on the training, Thinley said the programme equipped participants with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a tour guide, along with foundational knowledge of Buddhist iconography and itinerary planning.

The course also placed strong emphasis on practical learning. Trainees undertook field visits to dzongs, monasteries and temples, and visited hotels to understand check in and check out procedures, helping them gain hands on experience essential for professional guiding.

Sonam Lhamo from Thimphu, who is currently undergoing training at the institute, said that guiding is about sharing the essence of Bhutan through its rich culture and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which teaches the value of contentment.

She said that as Bhutan continues to develop and modernize, there is a collective effort to preserve these values while adapting to change.

She added that being able to share Bhutan’s unique principles with visitors from around the world brings a deep sense of pride and fulfillment.

According to her, guiding is not only about showcasing the country’s natural beauty, but also about explaining the values that shape Bhutanese society and way of life.

Sonam noted that guiding was traditionally seen as a demanding profession involving extensive travel and physical challenges, which discouraged many women from joining in the past.

However, she said this perception is gradually changing, with more women now showing interest and confidence in the profession.

She believes that men and women can be equally capable cultural guides and said that with greater support and encouragement, the number of female guides in the country will continue to grow.

She further stressed that regardless of the opportunities available, women and individuals must have the courage to step forward and try.