Bhutan Receives Outstanding Destination Excellence Award

The awards ceremony took place at the ZHENGDA Center in Beijing and acknowledged outstanding accomplishments in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and destinations.

Bhutan Receives Outstanding Destination Excellence Award

Bhutan has cemented its status as a highly appealing travel destination within the Chinese tourism market. In a notable achievement, Bhutan received the prestigious 'Outstanding Destination Excellence Award' from National Geographic Traveler China during the magazine's 18th Golden Award ceremony in December 2023. This marks the first time Bhutan has been recognized with an award in the Chinese travel market.

Bhutan is a popular destination in the Chinese market

Bhutan is a popular destination in the Chinese market

This recognition is poised to significantly boost Bhutan's reputation as an exceptional destination among Chinese travellers who seek Bhutan experiences that seamlessly combine environmental awareness and deep cultural immersion. According to the Department of Tourism, this accolade has the potential to draw a more substantial number of Chinese tourists to Bhutan, captivated by its unique blend of eco-consciousness and rich cultural heritage.

Dorji Dhradhul, the Director General of the Department of Tourism, emphasized the significance of this achievement by highlighting China's prominent role as a global tourism contributor. He also pointed out the importance of the National Geographic affiliation, which is renowned for its dedication to showcasing the world's remarkable landscapes, diverse cultures, and natural wonders. Dhradhul stressed that it underscores Bhutan's commitment to sustainability within the tourism sector, emphasizing the necessity of preserving these treasures for future generations.

National Geographic Traveler magazine holds a special place as one of the pioneering international travel publications available in China

National Geographic Traveler magazine holds a special place as one of the pioneering international travel publications available in China. It serves as a source of inspiration for Chinese readers, encouraging them to embark on journeys while providing essential and user-friendly information to help them select their next travel destination. This award not only recognizes Bhutan's outstanding appeal but also aligns the nation with the ethos of conservation and appreciation for the planet's beauty and cultural diversity, which National Geographic stands for.

Bhutan's Growing Tourism Welcomes Luxury Hotel Additions in 2023

Other Accolades and Awards that Bhutan Received

Kingdom of Bhutan Received Murie Spirit of Conservation Award

2020 United Nations Population Award to Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck

Special Recognition Award by UN Development Programme (UNDP) to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Order of Australia Award to Ashi Tashi Chodzom Dorji



Related Posts

Bhutan is the perfect destination for luxury travel

The definition of 'luxury travel' has changed because of COVID-19.

Jun 01, 2021 18:32

Bhutan's Growing Tourism Welcomes Luxury Hotel Additions in 2023

As Bhutan's tourism sector continues to grow, it's not surprising that new entrants are keen to enter the luxury...

Oct 01, 2023 13:42

Bhutan’s First International School Opens in Thimphu

EtonHouse Bhutan International School has opened in Thimphu with nine students, with plans to expand enrolment,...

Sep 01, 2026 09:37

Royal Family Joins Over 3,000 Volunteers in Seventh GMC Programme

More than 3,000 volunteers took part in the seventh Gelephu Mindfulness City volunteer programme, carrying out...

Aug 31, 2026 14:06

Bhutan King meets Bangladesh President during brief Dhaka...

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck met Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir during a Dhaka stopover,...

Aug 28, 2026 10:46

Sarpang Schools Shift Focus From Exam Results to Evidence-Based...

Sarpang’s 46th Dzongkhag Education Conference focused on evidence-based learning, school leadership, DIBELS, technology...

Aug 28, 2026 10:23

Latest

News

Bhutan’s First International School Opens in Thimphu

EtonHouse Bhutan International School has opened in Thimphu with nine students, with plans to expand enrolment, secondary classes and campus...

Sep 01, 2026 09:37

Royal Family Joins Over 3,000 Volunteers in Seventh GMC Programme

More than 3,000 volunteers took part in the seventh Gelephu Mindfulness City volunteer programme, carrying out landscaping, cleaning, and...

Aug 31, 2026 14:06

Features

From Chhukha to Eurovision Asia: Thukten's Journey to Bhutan's Biggest Music Stage

Thukten Nyendra, a 24-year-old Bhutanese singer-songwriter whose journey from a childhood love of music to winning Rhythm of Bhutan will...

Aug 19, 2026 16:53

Passion & Purpose: Finding Meaning on Bhutan's Mountain Trails

Discover how Bhutanese trekking guide Bijay Ghalley found purpose in the mountains, sharing stories of resilience, nature, and human...

Aug 06, 2026 13:07

Business

From Australia to Wangdue: How a Bhutanese Couple Built a Business Back Home

After more than seven years in Australia, Yeshey Choden and Dawa Gyeltshen returned to Bhutan to raise their daughter and build Acho Daka, a...

Aug 11, 2026 15:45

Bhutan recognised first four Geographical Indication products

Bhutan has officially registered its first four Geographical Indication products, protecting traditional goods while creating new...

Jul 06, 2026 14:29

Sports

Is HYROX coming to Bhutan? A teaser has fitness enthusiasts talking

HYROX has teased the possibility of coming to Bhutan, potentially with its highest-altitude race yet. Are you ready?

Aug 07, 2026 13:43

Paro FC becomes first in South Asia to earn AFC Two-Star youth academy recognition

Paro FC Football Academy has become the first club in South Asia to receive a Two-Star rating under the AFC Elite Youth Scheme, recognising...

Jul 09, 2026 10:06

Tourism

Black Mountain Festival Returns to Trongsa This October

Trongsa’s Black Mountain Festival returns on 3 and 4 October 2026, following a five-day journey through all five gewogs celebrating...

Sep 02, 2026 10:55

Bhutan Expands 24-Hour SDF Waiver Access in Phuentsholing

From September, regional tourists using Bhutan’s 24-hour SDF waiver can visit Milarepa Lhakhang and Pachu Community Ecotourism Site as part...

Aug 18, 2026 12:30

Lifestyle

Top 5 Cafes in Thimphu With the Best View

Discover five cafes in Thimphu offering some of the best views, from Tashichho Dzong and mountain backdrops to gardens and city life.

Sep 04, 2026 11:04

A Song that Gives Voice to Bhutanese Hearts across Borders

Bhuchung Amai Chey Chey, performed by Pema Jamtsho, explores a mother’s love, family separation and the emotional realities of Bhutanese...

Aug 14, 2026 14:55

GMC

Building a Stronger Foundation for Early Childhood Education in Bhutan

Established in 2024, BECEDA is bringing Bhutan's private ECCD providers together to strengthen educator training, early learning standards,...

Aug 13, 2026 09:56

GMC partners with Singapore's KKH to establish Bhutan's first IVF centre

Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority has partnered with Singapore's KK Women's and Children's Hospital to establish Bhutan's first IVF centre,...

Jul 24, 2026 11:49

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app