The delegation consists of 25 officials representing the tourism, hotel and airport sectors. This visit followed the participation of the delegation in a similar event held in Dubai recently, during which the launch of two new direct flights between Dubai and Bhutan was announced. He affirmed that Bhutan is a year-round tourist destination, owing to its diverse and moderate climate -- whether in its lush green summers or its cold, pure winters. He pointed out that visiting Bhutan does not require official invitations or complicated procedures. “Flights can be booked through accredited local travel companies. Visa fees can be paid electronically at $100 per person per night, with discounts available for children. Visas can also be obtained within 24 hours for an additional fee,” he disclosed. He said the Kingdom offers special benefits for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) groups; such as exemption from sustainable development fees for several days, provided that at least two days are allocated for official events within the visit program. He revealed that the Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait is his country’s first embassy in the Gulf, indicating that his country has only three embassies -- one of which is in Kuwait. On the other hand, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Royal Bhutan Airlines Tandi Wangchuk unveiled a future opportunity to operate direct flights between Kuwait and Bhutan, following the signing of an air services agreement between the two countries’ governments last year.

He explained that the agreement technically allows any Bhutanese or Kuwaiti airline to operate direct flights. Wangchuk stated “we are currently in the commercial feasibility study phase of this direct route with Kuwait. No final decision has been made yet, but we are seriously evaluating this approach as part of our fleet expansion plans.” Regarding tourism, he asserted that Bhutan, thanks to its mountainous location and temperate climate, is a suitable haven for Gulf residents during the summer months. He is hoping that Bhutan will become a favorite destination for Kuwaiti tourists. “We see a promising potential, especially with the presence of a large Bhutanese community in Kuwait -- estimated at about 8,000 people; in addition to the growing interest of Gulf investors in Bhutan as a tourist and investment destination,” he concluded. Representative of Bhutan Tourism Authority Kyi Zang confirmed that English is widely spoken in the Kingdom and is used alongside the official language, Dzongkha, in the educational system, making communication with foreign visitors easier.