Thirteen guides from MICE Bhutan recently participated in a full-day Gross National Happiness (GNH) training at the GNH Centre Bhutan, enhancing their ability to communicate Bhutan’s unique philosophy to visitors.

The session, held at the GNH Centre office, aimed to equip guides with practical skills to explain GNH in simple, relatable ways while reflecting the country’s values of wellbeing, balance, and interdependence. Among the participants there were 2 female and 11 male guides, all eager to deepen their knowledge and professional skills.

“Our guides are the first point of contact for visitors. This training helps them convey not only facts but the spirit of Bhutan,” said ED Lhatu from GNH Centre Bhutan.

Participants explored the four Pillars and nine Domains of GNH, engaged in interactive role-plays, and took part in a self-assessment survey to reflect on how GNH values shape their own lives and work. A quiz and group activities provided a fun, practical way to reinforce learning.

The training emphasized how guides can incorporate GNH into their tours, highlighting cultural preservation, environmental care, and community connection. Confidence-building exercises and storytelling techniques were central to the program, allowing guides to communicate Bhutan’s values.

The post-training survey revealed strong connections to culture, environment, and community vitality, while areas such as time use and psychological wellbeing scored lower, reflecting challenges in managing seasonal workloads and job uncertainty.