BHUTAN STRENGTHENS FRIENDSHIP

IN a country that famously audits the happiness of its people as a national priority, the Government of Bhutan has instigated a tourism initiative based around friendships. To mark 15 years of diplomatic ties with Canberra, the tiny Himalayan kingdom has created a Bhutan-Australia Friendship Offer that gives Aussies travellers exclusive discounts. Pictured celebrating the initiative are Bhutan’s Minister for Economic Affairs Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, the country’s Consul General to Australia Catherine Harris, Tourism Council of Bhutan director Chhimmy Pem, and Bhutan Department of Bilateral Affairs director general Kesang Wangdi.