Bhutan’s New Airport Could Transform Tourism
ASIA
5/9/2026
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Have you ever wanted to visit a remote country?
Do you enjoy traveling to places with mountains and nature?
Do you think tourism changes a country positively or negatively?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
airport – a place where planes take off and land
Example: The new airport will bring more tourists to Bhutan.
mountain – a very high hill
Example: Bhutan is famous for its beautiful mountains.
tourist – a person who travels for fun
Example: Many tourists want to visit Bhutan.
travel – to go from one place to another
Example: People travel to Bhutan to see nature and culture.
valley – low land between mountains
Example: The airport is located in a narrow valley.
Developed (B2–C2)
accessibility – how easy something is to reach or use
Example: The new airport will improve Bhutan’s international accessibility.
mountainous – having many mountains
Example: Bhutan’s mountainous landscape makes travel difficult.
infrastructure – basic systems like roads, airports, and transport
Example: The country is investing heavily in tourism infrastructure.
hub – an important center for activity or business
Example: The city aims to become a regional economic hub.
spirituality – concern with human spirit and deeper meaning
Example: Bhutan promotes tourism connected to nature and spirituality.
overtourism – too many tourists causing problems for a place
Example: Bhutan wants to avoid overtourism by limiting visitor numbers.
READING
Introduction
“Bhutan has long been one of the world’s most difficult countries to visit. This text explains how a new airport could transform tourism while protecting the country’s culture and environment.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Bhutan is a small country in the Himalayas. For many years, it has been difficult for tourists to visit because the country only has one international airport.
Paro Airport is surrounded by mountains and located in a narrow valley. Only a small number of pilots can land there safely.
Now Bhutan plans to build a new airport in the south of the country. The land is less mountainous, so traveling there will become easier.
The government hopes the airport will increase tourism while still protecting Bhutan’s culture and nature.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Bhutan has traditionally limited tourism in order to preserve its culture, environment, and way of life. Its only international airport, Paro Airport, is considered one of the most challenging airports in the world due to its location in a narrow mountain valley.
However, Bhutan plans to open the new Gelephu International Airport in 2029. Since the southern region is less mountainous, the project will improve accessibility and allow more international visitors to enter the country.
The airport is part of a larger development plan called Gelephu Mindfulness City, which aims to become a hub for tourism, business, nature, and spirituality.
Although tourism is expected to grow significantly, Bhutan still intends to control visitor numbers carefully in order to avoid overtourism and protect its cultural identity.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
Why is Paro Airport difficult to use?
Where will the new airport be built?
Does Bhutan want too many tourists?
B1–B2
Why has Bhutan traditionally limited tourism?
How could the new airport improve accessibility?
What is the purpose of Gelephu Mindfulness City?
C1–C2
How could the new airport reshape Bhutan’s tourism industry?
Why is Bhutan concerned about overtourism?
How does Bhutan attempt to balance economic growth and cultural preservation?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“One interesting place is ___.”
“I would like to travel to ___ because ___.”
“This place feels ___.”
Personal Questions
Would you like to visit Bhutan? Why?
Do you enjoy mountain landscapes?
Have you ever traveled to a remote place?
Do you prefer cities or nature destinations?
What makes a country interesting to visit?
Do you like airports and flying?
Would you visit a country with strict tourism rules?
Do you enjoy cultural tourism?
What is the most beautiful place in your country?
Do you think tourism helps local people?
Have you ever visited a spiritual or peaceful place?
What type of weather do you enjoy while traveling?
Would you like to hike in the mountains?
Do you prefer relaxing holidays or adventurous holidays?
What country would you most like to visit in the future?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am interested in ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes tourism ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions
Why do you think Bhutan limits tourism?
How could the new airport affect the country’s economy?
Do you think tourism damages traditional culture?
How important is accessibility for tourism growth?
Would you prefer visiting famous or lesser-known destinations?
How can countries prevent overtourism?
Do you think strict tourism policies are a good idea?
How does tourism affect the environment?
What attracts tourists to mountainous countries?
How could tourism change local communities?
Why are some travelers interested in spirituality and mindfulness?
How important is preserving cultural identity?
Would easier travel encourage you to visit Bhutan?
How could tourism improve people’s quality of life?
Should governments control tourism more carefully?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___.”
“I think the future of tourism is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions
How could improved accessibility transform Bhutan socially and economically?
To what extent should countries limit tourism to protect cultural identity?
How does overtourism threaten historical or natural destinations?
Can economic growth and environmental protection realistically coexist?
How might Bhutan’s tourism strategy influence other countries?
What are the ethical responsibilities of tourists visiting fragile destinations?
How could globalization affect Bhutan’s traditional culture and spirituality?
Should governments prioritize tourism revenue over environmental concerns?
How important is authenticity in modern travel experiences?
How could infrastructure projects reshape national identity?
Why are travelers increasingly attracted to remote and peaceful destinations?
Could tourism become unsustainable in the future? Why or why not?
How should governments balance accessibility with preservation?
What role does spirituality play in modern tourism?
In your opinion, what makes a destination truly meaningful to visit?
