𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

The Embassies of Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka cohosted the joint tourism promotion event themed “Mountain peaks to coastal shores” earlier today at the de Warande Club in Brussels.

 

The event brought together four countries’ tourism offerings through promotional displays and cultural items. The programme also featured dance performances and traditional cuisines from respective countries, complementing the visual presentations and offering guests a well-rounded immersive experience of each destination.

 

The event was attended by the members of the diplomatic corps, officials from European Union institutions and representatives from the travel industry and media. Kutshab Tshoki Choden opened the programme with her welcoming remarks, underlining the significance of the joint initiative and noting that tourism is a vital economic sector across South Asia, supporting the livelihoods of millions.

 

The Ambassadors of Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka then delivered their national statements, followed by a special address from the Guest of Honour, Mr. Dominic Porter, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at the European External Action Services.

 

Speaking at the event, Kutshab presented Gross National Happiness as the essence of what Bhutan offers the world, explaining that, the philosophy founded by His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo seeks to create the economic, social, spiritual and environmental conditions for people to lead meaningful lives in a harmonious and compassionate society. Kutshab invited visitors to take away five experiences from Bhutan: the surreal, where ancient Vajrayana Buddhist traditions co-exist with modern ambitions; serenity, found in its peaceful landscapes and calm society; kindness, reflected in the warmth and hospitality of its people; mindfulness, shown in its commitment to environmental conservation, carbon-negative status, and high-value & low-volume tourism; and finally, discovering what happiness means to each individual, an invitation Kutshab extended to the audience to experience for themselves in Bhutan.

 

The event concluded with a raffle draw, in which two lucky winners were each awarded a gift hamper of assorted local products from the four countries.

 

The event forms part of the Royal Bhutanese Embassy’s ongoing efforts to promote inbound tourism to Bhutan and to advance Brand Bhutan.