Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan The Philosophical Underpinnings

Bhutan's sustainable tourism model has been able to garner widespread attention across the globe in recent times. This study examines the philosophical roots of sustainable tourism in Bhutan, contrasting it with Western models and integrating it with the Gross National Happiness GNH framework and local cultural values. Bhutan's ‘High Value, Low Volume' tourism policy prioritizes economic gains while minimizing environmental and cultural disruptions. Bhutan's approach is deeply influenced by Buddhist principles of moderation, respect for all life, and reverence for nature, diverging from Western models focused on resource exploitation and materialism. The study underscores Bhutan's model as a holistic template for sustainable development, yet acknowledges challenges such as economic constraints of this policy and dependence on limited tourist demographics. It emphasizes the need for international support and technological collaboration to bolster sustainable tourism infrastructure. The Bhutanese model demonstrates that sustainability need not be compromised for development if both are approached with foresight and respect for heritage and the environment. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism with a focus on how indigenous values and philosophies can inform and enhance sustainability practices globally. Dr. Bhagyashree Rath "Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan: The Philosophical Underpinnings" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-8 | Issue-2 , April 2024, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd64716.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/64716/sustainable-tourism-in-bhutan-the-philosophical-underpinnings/dr-bhagyashree-rath