The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The five-day 108 Jangchub Chortens event in Gelephu brought more than religious significance, as the arrival of thousands of attendees and international visitors also created business opportunities for local entrepreneurs. From hotels and restaurants to small retail shops, businesses in Gelephu reported increased customers and sales during the event.
An electronic shop owner in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) town said the five-day 108 Jangchub Chortens event brought a significant increase in sales, with some products experiencing particularly high demand.
“Before the event, we had customers, but not many. We could barely manage to pay our rent and taxes. However, during the event, our sales doubled within a single day,” the shop owner said.
The most sought-after products were mini fans for attendees staying in tents, torches, phone covers and power banks.
Rita Samal, owner of Kuzu Hotel and Kuzu Footwear in Gelephu town, said before the event, her average daily sales from footwear ranged between Nu 10,000 and Nu 15,000. However, from 1st to 3rd November, sales from footwear alone reached around Nu 70,000 per day, while Kuzu Hotel separately generated between Nu 70,000 and Nu 80,000 daily.
Reflecting on the experience, Rita said she would ensure sufficient stock for future events in GMC.
Overall, hotel owners in GMC said their earnings tripled compared to their usual income during the event. Despite limited accommodation facilities, hotels managed to accommodate attendees and international visitors.
Some hotel staff said they worked extended hours, from 9 am until 3 am the following morning, particularly on 31st October and 1st – 4th November. They also received good tips from international guests.
Mena Kumari Rai, owner of a general shop near the clock tower, said the event brought a large number of customers, particularly during the night.
“Before the event, my daily sales were around Nu 8,000. During the event, it increased to approximately Nu 30,000 per day,” she said.
Due to the increased workload, she worked alongside her son to manage the shop. Previously, the shop operated from 9 am to 10 pm, but during the five-day event, they extended their operating hours until 2 am to cater to customers.
Similarly, Sheela Maya Rai, owner of Bhupal Enterprise, a kitchenware shop located opposite the BNB office, said, “Before the event, our daily sales were around Nu 20,000. During the event, we made approximately Nu 50,000 per day,” she said.
A restaurant in the Tashiling area of Gelephu also reported an increase in customers and daily sales during the event.
However, the increase in customers also brought challenges, including managing food supplies, maintaining food quality and ensuring timely service.
The restaurant said it generated around Nu 20,000 in sales during the event.
“We believe that when Gelephu grows, local businesses should grow together with it. We hope GMC and other relevant authorities will continue supporting small businesses so that we can contribute to the town’s development and benefit from its growing tourism opportunities.”
While the event brought a temporary boost to local businesses, owners said the experience demonstrated the economic opportunities that large-scale events could create for Gelephu. Many expressed hope that similar events and continued support from GMC would help sustain business growth and create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
