TRAVEL SCRAPBOOK
At its own speed
Wary of the homogenising, tradition-diminishing effects of mass tourism, Bhutan is hoping to control the pace at which its society changes
- Published: 17 Jan 2013 at 00.00
- Newspaper section: Life
Daring to resist the powerful forces of globalisation, the tiny, isolated nation of Bhutan is trying hard to preserve its unique culture and modest charms.
"Yes, change is quite a certain thing. Nothing can stand without change. We _ you and me _ are both Buddhists and should know this truth well."
Thuji Dorji Nadik, acting managing director of the Tourism Council of Bhutan, was replying to an enquiry about what effect the recent boom in tourism has had on his country. His answer initially stunned me. But he is right, of course; nothing on Earth can escape change. I was misguided to expect that the sacred land of Bhutan would somehow prove an exception to this rule.
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