01/02/2024
Bhutan was awarded the prestigious ‘Annual Special Travel Destinations’ award last night (January 31, 2024) during the 2023 Voyage Magazine Award Ceremony.
The awards ceremony took place at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Beijing and acknowledged outstanding accomplishments in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and destinations. This marks Bhutan’s second tourism award in China in only one month.
The award ceremony showcased various travel trends, emphasizing eco-tourism, nature-oriented adventures, and sustainable travel while highlighting Bhutan as a distinctive and attractive destination for Chinese travellers.
The evaluation of the 2023 Voyage Awards involved a professional judging panel consisting of travel industry experts, media professionals, and key opinion leaders. This panel conducted a thorough assessment of the candidates from various perspectives, including, but not limited to, innovation in travel products, highlights of travel experiences, service quality, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
“Being honoured with the Annual Special Travel Destinations Award not only acknowledges Bhutan's commitment to holistic development but also emphasizes the country’s standing as a carbon-negative nation, establishing it as a trailblazer in sustainable practices. The award reaffirms Bhutan's position as an exceptional travel destination that seamlessly blends cultural authenticity with environmental responsibility,” said Ms D**g Jun, Editor in Chief, Voyage Magazine China.
Ms D**g Jun visited Bhutan in 2017. She added: "Bhutan is a very unique destination. Here, you feel the strong blend of nature and culture, along with the serene mindset of the local people. There's one moment that I've always remembered. It was the last day of my trek along the Druk Path, arriving at the Le Méridien Hotel covered in mud. I apologized to the doorman for being muddy, and he replied, 'No need to feel sorry, we are so proud of you.'"
Voyage is a prestigious luxury travel magazine in China, which stands out for its unique angles to explore global destinations. The Voyage Award aims to recognize the most acclaimed high-end hotels, selected luxury resorts and premier destinations to Chinese travellers. Voyage Magazine is published twice per year with a circulation of 518,000 copies per issue, as well as a Weibo account with 720,000 followers and a WeChat account with 110,000 subscribers.
This achievement cements Bhutan's reputation among Chinese tourists as a premier destination that marries ecological mindfulness with deep cultural engagement. Beyond its commitment to environmental preservation, Bhutan offers Chinese visitors a unique journey into its cultural depths, showcasing its wealth of traditions, historical landmarks, and lively festivals. Bhutan's approach to tourism emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that its natural beauty and cultural integrity remain intact for future generations.
"It brings us immense joy and excitement to see Bhutan honoured with the 'Special Travel Destination' award at the 2023 Voyage Magazine Ceremony in Beijing," said Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Department of Tourism. "This prestigious award reaffirms Bhutan's steadfast commitment to providing unmatched travel experiences and showcases the country's unique charm. It reflects our efforts to ensure that every visit to Bhutan is unparalleled. Bhutan is a prime destination for Chinese tourists seeking genuine encounters, with its peaceful landscapes, monastic architecture, and the welcoming nature of its people, offering a haven for those desiring calm and a deeper insight into a culture that emphasizes living in harmony with the environment.
