A stakeholder meeting to promote Haa as a distinctive tourism destination was held today in Thimphu.
The event was graced by Hon. Prime Minister and brought together over 60 participants, including tour operators, government agencies, private sector representatives, and development partners. The meeting saw strong support from the Department of Tourism, Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO), Guides Association of Bhutan (GAB), Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bhutan (HRAB), Helvetas Bhutan, and several hoteliers, homestay owners, and guides from Haa.
The discussion focused on crafting a compelling tourism identity for Haa, centering on its unique cultural, ecological, and historical offerings. Key ideas included positioning Haa’s iconic sites like Lhakhang Karpo and Nakpo, and the rarely sighted Red Panda, as signature attractions. Participants emphasized the need to develop immersive visitor experiences such as community participation in Ap Chundu’s Lhapsoel, storytelling around sacred relics, and promoting Haa’s nomadic heritage and historic institutions like the country’s first modern school.
Proposals were also made to strengthen tourism infrastructure through zoning, development of visitor trails, a dedicated information center, and clustered homestay models. Participants called for collaborative efforts to boost domestic tourism, enhance product visibility, and explore high-end experiences such as fly-fishing and adventure sports.
