INBOUND VISITOR ARRIVALS TO BHUTAN IN 2013
The tourism industry continued to grow at a steady rate in 2013 with record high inbound arrivals peaking at 116,209 visitors. The figure represents a growth of +10.25% over the previous year. There were 52,783 international arrivals and remaining 63,426 were regional arrivals. Regional arrivals are those originating from India, Bangladesh and Maldives.
Out of the total, a little in excess of three quarters (75.68%) were those who visited Bhutan for leisure and holidaying purpose. Of the total international arrivals, a clear majority of 83.84% were ‘Tourist’ arrivals that visited the country solely for the purpose of holidaying. Some 10.67% were ‘Official’ visitors. Only 1.77% of the total international arrivals were ‘Business Visitors’. Total regional arrivals were dominated by 68.89% of leisure visitors coming to Bhutan solely for the purpose of having a holiday. This was followed by a significant 13.34% who came to Bhutan to visit friends and family (VFR) members.