Bhutan Integrates Crypto Payments to Boost Tourism by 300,000 Users Annually

The Kingdom of Bhutan is taking significant steps to modernize its economy by integrating cryptocurrency payments into its tourism infrastructure. This initiative aims to attract younger, tech-savvy travelers who are increasingly comfortable with digital currencies.

During a panel discussion as part of Binance’s Crypto-Powered Tour in Bhutan, Damcho Rinzin, the director of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by the country’s tourism sector due to its outdated payment infrastructure.

On May 7, Binance Pay partnered with local bank DK Bank to enable users to pay for their expenses in Bhutan using cryptocurrency. Ugyen Tenzin, the president of DK Bank, revealed that nearly 1,000 merchants nationwide have been onboarded to accept this new payment method.

Rinzin emphasized that the integration of crypto payments would make Bhutan more accessible to modern travelers, eliminating the friction caused by traditional bank wire transfers. He described the current payment system as “a thing of the past” and expressed optimism that crypto could attract a new demographic of tourists.

In addition to the convenience, Rinzin sees crypto as a branding opportunity for Bhutan. He believes that accepting crypto payments sends a strong message that Bhutan is welcoming and open to a different kind of tourist—one who is young, forward-looking, and aligns with the kingdom’s sustainable and mindful tourism vision.

Rinzin also shared the modest goal of attracting 300,000 users annually. He believes that DK Bank’s integration with Binance Pay will help the tourism sector by attracting a portion of the crypto exchange’s millions of users to visit, thereby boosting the local economy.

He also compared crypto payment fees with traditional banking systems, noting that the near-instant payments and lower fees for using crypto are more efficient than existing payment systems in Bhutan.

“Digital inclusion is going to do wonders for people not only in the tourism industry in Bhutan,” Rinzin said, adding that it would also help people in other industries.

In a roundtable discussion with the media during the tour, Carissa Nimah, chief marketing officer of Bhutan’s Department of Tourism, echoed similar sentiments. Nimah described Bhutan as “traditional and authentic,” while also being “focused and visionary.”

She said the move to accept crypto aligns with the kingdom’s evolving identity. “This partnership opens up Bhutan to a new category of traveler, people who want to explore the world using crypto payments.”

With major projects like the Gelephu Mindfulness City underway, crypto integration is seen as a part of a broader vision in Bhutan. “I think this would play a very large part in the Gelephu Mindfulness City,” Nimah told the media.

Despite the Tourism Department’s crypto push, adoption remains a work in progress. Several local merchants onboarded into the program reported that they have yet to see many customers using the payment option.

A local tour guide also advised that a combination of crypto, cash, and credit cards was still the best way to get around Bhutan, indicating that while the initiative is promising, it may take time for widespread adoption.