Bhutan Hosts South Asian Women's Conference for Women in MICE Tourism

• Bhutan has hosted the South Asian Women’s Conference to help women in MICE Tourism
• The event was held from May 8 to 11, 2025, inviting influential women leaders, policy experts, and change-makers

Recently, Bhutan has hosted a major event ‘South Asian Women’s Conference’ that aim towards enabling women economically while boosting the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector across the region.

The event is taking place from May 8 to 11, 2025, gathering influential women leaders, policy experts, and change-makers from across South Asia. All the attendees discussed about sustainable development and gender equality, keeping their focus on ‘how women can play a bigger role in driving economic growth’. Emphasising on the growing potential of Bhutan as a unique destination for MICE events, the event promoted rural tourism as a way to connect regions, assisting women’s involvement in tourism.

Starting off with a lively panel ‘The Arc of Rural Tourism for Regional Integration, Women’s Enablement, and Sustainable Development’, the conference talked about the importance of rural areas of Bhutan, India and Nepal and how these regions can help neighbouring countries work better together, supporting women in their respective communities. The panel emphasized local tourism efforts, comprehensive policies, and fresh ideas for sustainable growth that also protect local cultures and traditions.

Organized by influential organizations like the South Asian Women’s Network (SWAN), T-HELP, the International Development Institute (IDI), and the Tarayana Foundation, the conference served as a call to action for cross-border solutions. It underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance women’s economic participation and promote sustainable development in South Asia. The event also featured partnerships with several organizations, including the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, ICIMOD, and the United Nations, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainability and gender equity in the region.