President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday observed that tourism will get a further boost in Bhutan with the latter designating the year 2015 as "Visit Bhutan Year" and wished success to the Bhutanese government in this regard.
"The commencement of a flight from Paro to Mumbai has, I believe, led to a significant rise in the numbers of tourists from Western India [to Bhutan]. The year 2015 has been designated as the 'Visit Bhutan Year'. I take this opportunity to wish the Royal Government of Bhutan great success in this sector," President said.
President Mukherjee, who is on a two-day visit to Bhutan, received a ceremonial reception upon his arrival in Thimphu yesterday.
He was received by Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the Paro International Airport.
The President later met Queen Jetsun Pema at the Tashichhodzong in Thimphu. He was accorded a warm welcome and was also given a Guard of Honour by the Royal Bhutanese Army.
The bilateral relations between India and Bhutan date back to 1949 when the two countries signed the treaty of friendship and cooperation. This treaty, which provides for perpetual peace and friendship, free trade and commerce, and equal justice to each other's citizens, was updated and signed by King Wangchuck in February 2007.
