Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) founded in 2000 is the recognized representative of the tour operators in Bhutan. It is the mutual and official voice of all Bhutanese tour operators who constitute its primary membership. It is also an institution representing and protecting the collective interests of the tourism industry in the country.

Within the few years of its creation, ABTO has been both responsive and effective in representing shared concerns as well as in promoting interests of all tour operators. Along with the support of Tourism Council of Bhutan and its members, ABTO has been able to affect several changes for the overall interest of the tourism industry as well as for tour operators. It has particularly been able to ensure increased administrative and operational convenience and faster processing of required formalities.

The members are progressively rising to the challenge of times. ABTO as a service providing organization renders the member with every support and assistance in undertaking those activities which the members cannot take up individually. Principally, it seeks ways and means to advance the cause of the member tour operators. This is important because there is a growth of significant number of ground breaking and totally different tourism activities which are truly Bhutanese centered and unique.

ABTO also develops and implements a wide range of measures that help make the market more attractive and improve the environment for both consumers and agents.

Headed by the Executive Director, the organization works within the framework of the rules specified in the association’s articles and is guided by a Board. ABTO is a not-for-profit organization.

Courtesy: Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators