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In the 116th National Day address to an audience of 30,000, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presented his vision for a new economic hub in Bhutan, the world’s first carbon-negative country. Located in the town of Gelephu in Southern Bhutan, the 2500+ km2 masterplan titled ‘Mindfulness City’ by BIG, Arup, and Cistri is informed by Bhutanese culture, the principles of Gross National Happiness index (GNH), and the country’s strong spiritual heritage.

The Kingdom of Bhutan has solidified its standing as a premier global destination, achieving a remarkable 4th place in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers' Choice Awards 2025 for the Best Countries in the World.

This major global accolade, voted on by experienced international travelers, serves as a powerful validation of Bhutan's unique and successful 'High Value, Low Volume' tourism policy. The recognition underscores the world's appreciation for Bhutan's profound authenticity, its status as a carbon-negative nation, and the spiritual sanctuary created by its core philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), affirming that the Kingdom offers truly transformative journeys built upon cultural preservation and environmental integrity .

The Kingdom of Bhutan has long captivated the world with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainable development. At the very core of this extraordinary nation's journey lies the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) - a daily levy that has quietly, yet profoundly, transformed the lives of the Bhutanese people.

The SDF, collected by the government, has become the lifeblood that nourishes Bhutan's ambition for sustainable development. These funds are allocated to diverse projects from free healthcare and education to specialized training programs that uplifts the tourism and hospitality industries, the SDF has empowered the nation to invest in its most valuable asset - its people. Crucially, the SDF has allowed Bhutan to maintain its exceptional forest cover of over 70% and it’s carbon-negative status. The SDF has become a testament to the power of responsible tourism, where every guest leaves a positive impact to the people of Bhutan.

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