BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
Sonam Deki
In a turn of events for Bhutan’s handicraft industry, shopkeepers are rejoicing as they witness a slight yet significant increase in the number of customers frequenting their stores. The surge in customer interest comes as a much-needed relief for a sector that has been grappling with a decline in sales due to the reduced influx of tourists.
While tourism remains a vital source of revenue for the handicraft industry, the post COVID-19 pandemic and associated tourism policy reforms have stifled the usual flow of tourists to Bhutan. This decline in tourism directly impacted the sales of traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, creating a challenging economic landscape for artisans and shopkeepers alike.
A shopkeeper explained this situation by saying, “Even though there were fewer tourists buying our handicrafts because of the pandemic, some of our sales stayed steady. This is because many Bhutanese people living abroad continued to buy our products and send them as gifts to their friends and family in other countries.”
Local handicraft shopkeepers in Bhutan are reporting a significant uptick in sales of T-shirts featuring vibrant Bhutanese designs. According to the shopkeepers, both Bhutanese residents and tourists are increasingly choosing these T-shirts as gifts for their friends and family members residing abroad.
Shop owners across the country have confirmed that there has been a notable surge in the demand for T-shirts adorned with Bhutanese motifs and cultural symbols. The intricate designs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan, have become highly popular among locals and tourists alike.
Pema Wangchuk, a handicraft shop owner in Thimphu, shared his enthusiasm about this growing trend. “It’s wonderful to see people embracing our culture through these beautifully designed T-shirts. They not only represent our traditions but also make for meaningful and thoughtful gifts for loved ones abroad,” he said.
Tourists, captivated by the uniqueness of Bhutanese artistry, are choosing these T-shirts as souvenirs to take back home. One of the tourists expressed her admiration for the Bhutanese craftsmanship. “The designs are exquisite and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’m buying these T-shirts for my family back home, and I’m sure they will love them,” she exclaimed.
The trend has also caught on among the Bhutanese population, who appreciate the cultural significance of these T-shirts. Sonam Dorji, a local resident, said, “Wearing these T-shirts makes me feel connected to my roots. Plus, itโs a great way to introduce our culture to the world.”
Shopkeepers attribute this surge in sales to the emotional value these T-shirts carry. Many Bhutanese families have relatives living abroad, and these T-shirts serve as a heartfelt gesture, bridging the distance between them. The shirts are often sent as gifts to remind family members of their Bhutanese heritage.
Karma Tenzin, another shop owner, shared a heartwarming story, “We had a customer who bought a T-shirt to send to his granddaughter studying in Australia. He wanted her to remember her Bhutanese roots despite being miles away. It’s stories like these that make selling these T-shirts so special for us.”
Moreover, recent initiatives by the Bhutanese government to reduce the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for tourists to USD 100 have started yielding positive results. This reduction in SDF aims to attract more tourists and invigorate the economy, contributing to the revival of various sectors, including handicrafts.
Shopkeepers are optimistic about the future, buoyed by this uptick in customer interest and the continued support from Bhutanese citizens abroad. They remain committed to preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, showcasing them to the world through their intricate and artistic handicrafts.
