𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐬

…𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒄𝒐-𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆

By Tashi Tshewang

Farmers, artisans, and local producers were at the heart of discussions during the Regenerative Bhutan Forum (RBF), held at Dungkar Dzong in Paro from August 18 to 20. More than 200 participants, including policymakers, tourism experts, and community representatives from Bhutan and abroad, explored ways tourism can directly benefit communities while restoring the environment.

The opening session featured remarks from the Director of the Department of Tourism, Damcho Rinzin, and an address by the chief guest, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Dasho Tashi Wangmo. Other speakers included United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Mohammad Younus, Anna Pollock, and Detlef Meyer, who reflected on Bhutan’s tourism journey since 1974 and its alignment with the 21st Century Economic Roadmap prioritizing inclusive, sustainable, and regenerative growth.

The forum focused on four main areas: measuring carbon footprints in tourism and promoting low-carbon travel; launching the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard endorsed by the Bhutan Standards Bureau; strengthening greener supply chains to link farmers, artisans, and producers with tourism operators; and integrating sustainability into marketing through the “High Value, Low Volume, Positive Impact” policy and the “Bhutan Believe” brand.

The Bhutan Green Hotel Standard was officially launched, encouraging hotels to adopt eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices, reduce negative impacts on nature and culture, and support community development. In the plenary session, Anna Pollock emphasized that regenerative development extends beyond tourism to areas such as economics, agriculture, and education, calling it a fundamental shift in how societies approach well-being.

Bhutan’s environmental record provided context for the discussions. The country remains the world’s only carbon-negative nation, with over 70 percent forest cover and more than half of its land protected. Tourism continues to play a central role in the economy, generating Nu 2.3 billion in 2023–2024. Between January and July this year, Bhutan welcomed 105,526 tourists, a 34.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Tourism planning must consider more than just visitor numbers, said Damcho Rinzin, Director of the Department of Tourism. “We need to consider not only the carrying capacity but also the limits to acceptable change. This ensures that tourism does not overwhelm local communities, strain infrastructure, or drive up the cost of living for residents. Regenerative tourism is about more than sustainability. It seeks to prevent over tourism, avoid economic displacement, and ensure the benefits of tourism flow back to local people, supporting cultural preservation and long-term economic stability.”

He highlighted the role of the private sector in advancing regenerative tourism. “Awareness is the foundation: when businesses understand what regenerative tourism truly means and how it aligns with Bhutan’s long-term vision since 1974, they recognize the important role they have to play. Incentives and engagement further motivate the private sector by exposing them to new ideas, opportunities, and partnerships, creating a pathway for them to lead in this approach. With the right incentives and active participation, the private sector can help expand regenerative tourism across Bhutan. By working together, we can tap into the growing global market, ensure tourism contributes directly to local livelihoods, and protect the environment while promoting economic growth and community well-being.”

Anna Pollock, regenerative development specialist, added, “Regenerative development goes beyond tourism. It’s a holistic approach that applies to multiple sectors, including economics, agriculture, and education. It’s about creating systems that restore and enhance rather than just sustain. It encourages practices that benefit people, the environment, and the economy simultaneously, making it a transformative approach for multiple aspects of society.”
John Hummel, advisor for Sustour Bhutan greening tourism, said, “At this conference, we are showcasing the work already accomplished and the organizations involved. Over the past five years, Sustour Bhutan has worked closely with tour operators, hotels, and suppliers to green their supply chains and integrate more local products into the tourism experience. The next step is to expand these efforts to more people and organizations across Bhutan, with the aim of making the entire tourism sector more regenerative.”

He explained that regenerative tourism goes beyond being environmentally friendly. “It is about creating a model where communities, businesses, and the environment all thrive together. By connecting local farmers, artisans, and producers to the tourism supply chain, the project ensures visitors not only experience Bhutan’s culture and environment but also contribute directly to sustaining them. We call this regenerative because it creates a thriving system. The economy prospers as more people generate income, nature is better protected through the use of natural products, and community well-being is strengthened by supporting local livelihoods. Tourism becomes a force that restores and enriches rather than depletes.”

Mohammad Younus, UNDP Resident Representative, said, “I read an article recently about Antalya in Turkey receiving 104,000 foreign tourists in a single day. But regenerative tourism isn’t just about numbers. We need a holistic, impact-driven framework that shows positive contributions to the environment, the local economy, and cultural heritage. This includes cultural preservation, biodiversity health, and community involvement.”

He added, “In Bhutan, regenerative tourism is about education and storytelling. The city isn’t just sharing stories; it has legends that captivate the world. By positioning Bhutan as a place for mindful exploration, we can foster personal growth and collective renewal. This approach attracts conscious travelers who want to contribute, not just consume, and reinforces Bhutan’s role as a global leader in purposeful regenerative travel. Together, we can build an inclusive, green, and regenerative tourism future.”

The Regenerative Bhutan Forum highlighted Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative tourism. By placing farmers, artisans, and local communities at the center and integrating eco-friendly practices, the forum showcased how tourism can drive economic growth, protect the environment, and preserve cultural heritage. With active private sector engagement and holistic approaches advocated by experts, Bhutan is positioning itself as a global leader in meaningful, impact-driven tourism that benefits communities and visitors alike.