Ecotourism Destination Assessment using Tourist Potential Index in Zhemgang Dzongkhag, Bhutan

Abstract

Zhemgang is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for nature-based tourism with the increasing number of international visitors from 165 to 346 between 2013 and 2019. The attractions that contribute to the increasing number of visitors are 225,361.47 ha (94.17%) of area under forest cover, rich biodiversity, unexplored scenic beauty and unique Kheng culture. In the past years, five local standard hotels, five ecolodges and two homestays have added bed nights of international visitors from 420 in 2013 to 931 in 2018. This study was conducted to assessed 10 potential ecotourism destinations in Zhemgang on the basis of resource availability and preferential appeal by promoters for tourism resources using Tourist Potential Index (TPI). The TPI was found ranging between 17 and 31.75.The mean rank of the destinations varies between 1.47 and 9.47 and there is significance difference in resources appealed by the tour operators on resources availability in the destinations considered for this study; (χ2(2) = 229.07, p = 0.00). The TPI may be useful indicator in developing practical guidelines for tourism resources development in the region.