Explore Bhutan – Where Happiness is a Place

Posted: Wed 30 Nov, 2011

November 30, 2011, Bangkok: The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) have created exclusive tour itineraries for delegates attending the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart (AT&RTCM2012) in Paro, Bhutan, February 3-7, 2012. The tours are either complimentary or discounted. Each one gives an in-depth cultural insight into Bhutanese heritage and culture.

Martin J Craigs, PATA CEO, said: “Bhutan was recently in the media spotlight with the historical Royal Wedding Ceremony of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema. Travel trade professionals can now learn first hand about this magical destination and the travel opportunities it has to offer.”

Delegates can explore mystical Bhutan with a complimentary sightseeing tour of the Paro Valley. The historic town of Paro is located in the south west of Bhutan in the Paro Valley. The area is recognised as one of the most beautiful places in the country. Paro has numerous sacred sites, historical buildings and monuments that hold immense cultural value for all Bhutanese. Paro is a beautiful valley with a good road network and the Paro International Airport.

Delegates can also visit Chelela Pass. The 35 km drive to Chelela makes it an intriguing excursion and an excellent jumping-off point for day walks. Chelela separates Haa and Paro Valley. At 3,810m, it is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. The drive is through dense spruce and larch forest. There are spectacular views of Mt Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and the peaks to the northwest, as well as the views of the Haa and Paro valleys.

On a full-day trip entitled the “The Pursuit of Happiness”, delegates can visit Thimphu. The city is located in the heart of the Wang Valley. All the head offices of the various government ministries and agencies are located here.

For pre- and post- tours, delegates are encouraged to contact PATA member Bhutanese tour operators including Bhutan Tourism Corporation, Raven Tours and Treks, and Tsenden Travel Service. Or contact sellers at AT&RTCM2012, including Atlas Tour & Travel, Bhutan Lakhor Tours & Treks, Blue Poppy Tours & Treks, Bhutan Century Tours, and Snow Lion in STYLE. Please click to view Bhutanese tour operators listed under this link.

To reserve a tour, please contact ATRTCM@PATA.org.

For more information on the PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart 2012, visit www.PATA.org/adventure.

-ENDS-

Issued by:

PATA Communications,
Bangkok, Thailand.
Tel: +66 2 658 2000
E-mail: communications@PATA.org
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About PATA

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This year, PATA is proud to celebrate 60 dynamic years of developing responsible tourism.

In partnership with private and public sector members, PATA enhances the sustainable growth, value and quality of travel and tourism to, from and within, the region. The Association provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to over 80 government, state and city tourism bodies; nearly 50 international airlines, airports and cruise lines and many hundreds of travel industry companies across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to 39 active PATA chapters worldwide and participate in a wide range of PATA and industry events. PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre (SIC) offers unrivalled data and insights including Asia Pacific inbound and outbound statistics, analyses and forecasts as well as in-depth reports on strategic tourism markets. For more information, please visit www.PATA.org