The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Bhutan recorded a strong rise in tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with every month recording higher visitor numbers than the previous year. According to the data, the country welcomed 10,627 tourists in January 2026, more than double the 5,000 visitors recorded in January 2025. Arrivals remained higher in February, increasing to 9,539 compared to 5,761 in the same month last year. The upward trend continued in March, with tourist arrivals reaching 26,092, up from 17,742 in March 2025. In April, the number climbed further to 30,345, surpassing the 28,674 visitors recorded a year earlier. May registered the highest monthly arrival so far in 2026, with 47,343 tourists visiting the country. This was a significant increase from 29,879 recorded in May 2025 and marked the strongest monthly performance on the chart.
Although arrivals declined in June following the May peak, the country still received 25,195 tourists, well above the 13,671 recorded in June 2025. The 2025 trend showed a sharp decline after June, with arrivals falling to around 5,000 in July before recovering gradually. Visitor numbers reached 10,010 in August and continued to rise to 20,251 in September. October recorded 28,037 arrivals before easing to 24,412 in November and 21,137 in December.
The 2026 figures indicate sustained growth during the first half of the year, with every month outperforming the corresponding period in 2025. The sharp increase in May and the continued strength in June suggest stronger tourism momentum compared to the previous year.
16,135 visitors entered Bhutan through Phuentsholing during the month, making it the country’s primary gateway for tourists. Paro was the second busiest port of entry with 6,979 arrivals.
A total of 21,007 Indian tourists visited Bhutan in June, accounting for the vast majority of arrivals among the top source markets. Thailand was the second largest source market with 749 visitors, followed by the United States with 577, Singapore with 516, Bangladesh with 477, and China with 393. Taiwan (Republic of China) recorded 148 visitors, while Nepal contributed 127, Australia 115, and Japan 114.
A total of 3,948 tourists from Maharashtra visited Bhutan during the month, the highest among all Indian states and cities. West Bengal ranked second with 2,237 visitors, followed closely by Gujarat with 2,056. Karnataka recorded 1,182 visitors, making it the fourth largest source market from India. Rajasthan followed with 897 visitors, while Uttar Pradesh contributed 853. Madhya Pradesh recorded 656 visitors, followed by Bihar with 552. Jharkhand contributed 356 visitors, while Punjab completed the top ten with 334 arrivals.
