Bhutan will host the first Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) from June 11 to 13, 2026 in Zhichenkhar, Thimphu, bringing together global buyers and local partners.
The event will take place alongside the launch of its official website, www.bitm.bt, which serves as a central information platform for buyers, exhibitors and the public.
Jointly organised by the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO), the event marks a new step in Bhutan’s tourism engagement with international markets. BITM is intended as an annual event and a central platform for Bhutan’s ongoing engagement with the global travel trade.
The three-day programme is designed to facilitate B2B interactions between international buyers and Bhutanese tourism stakeholders, while highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and tourism offerings. The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s long-standing approach to tourism centred on high-value, low-volume travel.
BITM will also place a focus on Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), presenting the development as part of Bhutan’s future tourism landscape. The event is expected to bring together international travel professionals and local partners, supporting connections across established and emerging markets.
Key objectives include strengthening Bhutan’s positioning as a distinctive tourism destination, creating opportunities for partnerships, and providing a platform for showcasing services and experiences. The event will also support new product introductions and collaboration within the sector.
The launch of the BITM website is intended to support access to event information and participation, reflecting the growing importance of digital platforms in global travel trade engagement.
“BITM is not merely an exhibition. It is a declaration of Bhutan’s leadership in leading a new era of mindful, regenerative, sustainable and deeply transformative tourism on the global stage. (It allows) us to tell our story directly to the world, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful business linkages right here in Bhutan,” said Damcho Rinzin, director, Department of Tourism Bhutan, adding that GMC is central to Bhutan’s future, describing it as a “visionary blueprint” for a living sanctuary for mindfulness and a key driver of high-value tourism.
ABTO’s chairman Kinley Gyeltshen shared: “The launch of the BITM website is crucial to the success of BITM. At the same time, BITM will significantly benefit the tourism industry, particularly Bhutanese tour operators. It also creates a valuable platform for our partners to connect directly with international buyers here in Bhutan, build strong business relationships and secure meaningful partnerships.”
