MICEcafe Journey

  Over the past few years, the tourism industry has witnessed a dramatic turnaround from mass tourism to more responsible and introspective discovery. Sustainable tourism , a niche phenomenon in itself at one time, is now the highest priority of green travelers. Among the major reasons for this turnaround is the discovery of niche destinations — offbeat places that provide genuine experiences and minimize the ecological and social costs typically generated by mass tourism spots. Not only do these destinations provide novel natural and cultural experiences, but they also meet the cardinal principles of sustainability. Learning from the Niche Destination Concept A niche destination is sought after by special interest, culture, or experience, usually beyond the purview of mass tourist itineraries. Niche destinations are typically distant mountain villages, heritage towns, eco-tourism coastal towns, or specialist destinations for bird-watching, organic farming, or health spas. Away fro...

  Concally embedded in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is not a destination one rushes to. It is a place where you wander and rest yourself to take a breath and walk in rhythm with lands, people and a philosophy of Gross National Happiness. When the world is moving like a constant trip to take the next selfie somewhere in the world, Bhutan gives a refreshing alternative to people a slow travel. The concept of slow travel is different than taking your time. It is having the essence of a place. In Bhutan, this translates to picking and shopping through serene valleys, drinking butter tea with locals, and being at one with age-old monasteries standing at secluded peaks. It is finding out villages, which are not mentioned on the maps, where the air still smells of pine and prayer. Why Bhutan Will Be Just Right for Slow Travel Bhutan has deliberately selected a direction where quality matters most in the tourism business. The government charges tourist a daily sustainable development fee ...