The Kingdom of Bhutan has declared 2015 as ‘Visit Bhutan Year’ to celebrate the fourth Bhutanese King’s 60th birthday in November. Bhutan’s fourth King, H. M. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, is accredited with initiating the concept of Gross National Happiness and introducing tourism to his country during his coronation in 1974.
To commemorate the occasion, a host of special attractions, events and festivals will take place throughout 2015 in locations across Bhutan. An official website, www.visitbhutanyear.com has been set up detailing the events, experiences, highlights, and deals that all visitors can take advantage of throughout the year.
Visitor numbers to Bhutan between January and September 2014 were 88,138, a 16.3% increase on the 75,771 visitors in the same period last year, making 2014 one of the most successful tourism years for the Himalayan Kingdom.
Damcho Rinzin of the Tourism Council of Bhutan said: “2015 marks a very special occasion for our beloved King and the whole country will celebrate his birthday alongside him. Bhutan is known for its many events and unique tourism offerings and our King has developed a sustainable tourism concept that is envied by many destinations worldwide. During 2015 we invite visitors from around the world to not only experience The Land of the Thunder Dragon, but to join us in celebrating the King’s 60th birthday.”
‘Visit Bhutan 2015’ will be accompanied with the tagline ‘Celebrate happiness’.
For more information, visit www.tourism.gov.bt or the new ‘Visit Bhutan 2015’ year website, www.visitbhutanyear.com.
