SNV has been supporting pro-poor sustainable tourism development in Bhutan since 2002. Our support is provided based on a direct request from the Royal Government of Bhutan, and more specifically, the Department of Tourism. Tourism is the single largest earner of hard-currency foreign exchange in , with substantial potential for poverty alleviation through economic development.

Through pro-poor sustainable tourism, SNV Bhutan aims to improve production, income and employment for the poor. This is achieved through the creation of opportunities for involvement for the poor and disadvantaged, and through the improvement of governance and coordination in the tourism sector.

Our specific objectives are to:

• Create an enabling environment for pro-poor sustainable tourism development;
• Implement pro-poor sustainable tourism strategies into tourism product development; and
• Strengthen private sector development within the tourism sector