Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) has launched the Tourism Spark Fund, introducing 40 investment opportunities aimed at strengthening Bhutan’s wellness, cultural, and sustainable tourism sectors. The initiative, unveiled during the GMC Tourism Investment Opportunity Forum on 22 June, seeks to bridge financing gaps for tourism start-ups and small businesses while encouraging greater private sector participation.
The investment portfolio features 20 tourism attractions and 20 tourism activities, offering projects that range from large-scale developments to community-based tourism experiences. Proposed investments include hot spring resorts, wellness farm retreats, heritage villages, riverfront promenades, eco-lodges, glamping resorts, capsule hotel retreats, cable cars, alpine coasters, adventure theme parks, and river sports hubs. Additional opportunities include Bhutanese culinary studios, eco-cycle hubs, food halls, dessert streets, aerial adventure parks, and children’s nature discovery centres.
Managing Director of Tourism GMC, Rabsel Dorji, said the Tourism Spark Fund will provide investors with access to investment-ready projects while promoting innovative tourism experiences. He noted that the attractions are designed to support year-round tourism and strengthen related sectors, including accommodation, food, recreation, and cultural enterprises.
According to GMC, the programme remains open to additional proposals beyond the initial 40 projects, creating opportunities for both local entrepreneurs and larger investors. Through the Tourism Spark Fund, GMC aims to build a diverse tourism ecosystem that reflects Bhutan’s vision of mindfulness, wellness, sustainability, and community-based development.
