Transforming Tourism Through Digital Payments

The Kingdom of Bhutan is making a bold statement by integrating cryptocurrency payments into its tourism infrastructure, essentially saying

"Bhutan is a hoping to open up to modern travelers and eliminate friction in its payment infrastructure."

During Binance’s Crypto-Powered Tour in Bhutan, Damcho Rinzin, director of the Department of Tourism, highlighted longstanding challenges in the country’s payment systems.

He noted that traditional bank wire transfers, once the norm for travelers in Bhutan, have become outdated and has been the stumbling block of the country's tourism sector.

On May 7, Binance Pay partnered with local financial institution DK Bank to enable crypto payments for expenses throughout Bhutan, which include airline tickets, visa fees, hotel stays, tour guides, among others.

DK Bank president Ugyen Tenzin revealed that nearly 1,000 merchants nationwide have already been onboarded to accept digital assets as payment, marking a significant leap in payment modernization for the Himalayan nation.

A Welcoming Signal for the World

Rinzin emphasized that the move to accept crypto is more than just a convenience—it’s a strategic branding for the Himalayan kingdom.

“This sends a very strong message that Bhutan is very welcoming.”

He added that embracing digital assets signals openness to a new generation of travelers who value sustainability, mindfulness, and innovation.

The Department of Tourism has set an ambitious goal of attracting 300,000 users annually, with hopes that the integration with Binance Pay will help draw a portion of the exchange’s global user base to Bhutan and stimulate the local economy.

Rinzin also pointed out that crypto transactions offer near-instant settlement and lower fees compared to traditional banking systems, making them a more efficient option for both tourists and local businesses.

"Digital inclusion is going to do wonders for people not only in the tourism industry in Bhutan, but also people in the other industries."

At a roundtable with the media, Carissa Nimah, chief marketing officer of the Department of Tourism, echoed these sentiments.

She described that while Bhutan often identify itself as “traditional and authentic,” it is also “focused and visionary.”

Nimah believes that accepting crypto aligns with the kingdom’s evolving identity and opens the doors to a new category of traveler—those eager to explore the world using digital assets.

With major developments like the Gelephu Mindfulness City on the horizon, crypto integration is seen as a key component of Bhutan’s broader vision for sustainable and forward-looking growth.

"I think this would play a very large part in the Gelephu Mindfulness City."

Despite the government’s enthusiasm and the rapid onboarding of merchants, widespread adoption of crypto payments remains a work in progress.

Some local businesses report limited use of the new payment option so far, and tour guides advise visitors to use a mix of crypto, cash, and credit cards for maximum convenience while traveling in Bhutan.

Bhutan’s embrace of cryptocurrency payments marks a significant milestone in its journey to modernize its tourism industry and attract global travelers.

While adoption is still gaining traction, the initiative reflects the country’s commitment to innovation, digital inclusion, and a welcoming approach to the future of travel.