By Choki Wangmo Bhutan’s journey into tourism began in 1974, when the country opened its doors to package tourists, prioritizing sustainable growth and development. Today, with more than 70% forest cover safeguarded by a vast network of protected areas, Bhutan aspires to become a leading ecotourism destination, guided by the national tourism policy of “high-value, low-volume.” But there are some hurdles to overcome. The government defines ecotourism as a “responsible travel to natural areas and habitats, which conserves the environment, respects the culture and traditions of its people, and im…