Bhutan

M O U N T A I N O U S, M Y S T I C A L , M A G I C A L , M I N D F U L

Bhutan is a small country between China and India, with a population of about 750,000. The country is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes including mountains and valleys. The country does not have a single traffic light!

Bhutan is the only country in the world that is committed to the pursuit of happiness through a Gross National Happiness strategy that rejects pure economic growth. This forms the perfect backdrop for the academy to discuss how the neo-liberalisation of universities and the over-quantification of our work and selves impact our own happiness, and the happiness of people affected by how we research, teach and service.

Another reason for holding this conference in Bhutan is its tourism policy. The Bhutanese government has taken a very mindful approach to tourism, and has strategies in place to avoid the 'mass tourism' trap. Those who wish to visit Bhutan must enter the country only through a local Bhutanese tour operator. There is also the imposed minimum daily package spent, plus a nightly surcharge of USD $40 per person per night, as well as USD $65 per person per night royalty fee. This is why 60% of Bhutan is protected national forest, and it actually absorbs more carbon that it uses. These tourist levies help Bhutan renew its infrastructure, and provide free education and healthcare for its people.

The beautiful people attending this conference will be exempted from these fees but we are giving back to the community in ways that will hopefully be meaningful.