“Our culture would be suffocated, not because tourists want to (suffocate culture), but the numbers would suffocate our culture.”
Almost 100,000 visitors arrived in Bhutan last year, a third of its 2019 peak of 350,000.
Mr Tobgay said the idea that it is hard to visit Bhutan is a misconception that somewhat hurts the country’s tourism.
“Potential tourists would want to go to Bhutan, put it in a bucket list, but never get down there because of the myth of Bhutan being difficult to get to, very expensive to get to,” he added.
However, the “myth” is good in a way, he said.
“Because when people eventually get to Bhutan, breathe our air, taste our water, meet our people, engage with us, connect with us, there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction.”
