Kathmandu: The inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026, held in Bhutan with the participation of tourism entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders from Nepal and around the world, is expected to further strengthen tourism cooperation between Nepal and Bhutan.
The three-day event, which began in Thimphu, was jointly organized by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO). The official inauguration was conducted by Bhutan’s Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, Lyonpo Namgyal Dorji.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister Dorji said that BITM is not merely a tourism event but a significant milestone in Bhutan’s broader journey toward economic and social development. He reaffirmed Bhutan’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and shared prosperity through tourism.
Speaking at the event, Damcho Rinzin, Director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, emphasized that BITM should not be viewed solely as a platform for commercial transactions but also as an opportunity to cultivate international tourism ambassadors. Highlighting the importance of regional and global partnerships for sustainable tourism development, he called for expanding collaboration with neighboring countries, including Nepal.
“We are not gathered here only to sign business agreements. We want to create genuine ambassadors for tourism. The future of sustainable tourism can only be achieved through collaboration, trust, and collective effort,” Director Rinzin said.
The event witnessed notable participation from Nepali tourism entrepreneurs and representatives, with Bhutan presenting Nepal as one of its key tourism partners. More than 200 international buyers from approximately 15 countries, including Nepal, India, Thailand, Singapore, China, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Spain, are attending the travel mart.
Bhutan stated that BITM was organized to more effectively promote its long-term tourism strategy of attracting “high-value, low-volume” visitors to the international market. The event has brought together over 50 tourism exhibitors, hoteliers, tour operators, airlines, and helicopter service providers.
At BITM 2026, Bhutan has prominently showcased several of its ambitious tourism initiatives, including the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the Wangduecholing Palace Museum, the Dinchenggang Regenerative Village, and the internationally acclaimed Snowman Race. Tourism opportunities in 11 lesser-visited dzongkhags (districts) have also been promoted to the global market.
Organizers announced that the Bhutan International Travel Mart will be developed into an annual event in the coming years. It is expected to strengthen Bhutan’s position as a premium international tourism destination while generating direct economic benefits for local communities and businesses.
The event is also considered significant for Nepali tourism stakeholders. Nepali tourism entrepreneurs noted that opportunities are expanding for experience-sharing and joint promotion between Nepal and Bhutan in areas such as Himalayan tourism, spiritual travel, adventure tourism, and sustainable tourism management.
