Ed Sheeran Makes History with First International Concert in Bhutan, Boosting Tourism Efforts
January 26, 2025
Sheeran brought advanced production equipment for the concert, while local teams managed the setup and logistics, showcasing a collaborative effort.
This concert kicked off the 2025 leg of Sheeran's Mathematics World Tour, which will include performances in India, China, and Germany.
The concert began with 'Castle on the Hill' from his Mathematics album, and Sheeran reflected on his journey from small venues to this landmark event.
Despite the concert's potential to boost tourism, Bhutan requires travelers to obtain a visa and pay a Sustainable Development Fee of US$100 per day.
Sheeran described the performance as historic and thanked the local volunteers who played a crucial role in organizing the event.
Ed Sheeran recently performed in Bhutan, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome from fans and calling it a privilege to perform in such a beautiful country.
He emphasized the significance of the concert, noting it was the first international event of its kind in Bhutan and expressed hope for more concerts in the future.
The concert was part of King Jigme's initiative to modernize Bhutan and boost tourism, aligning with the country's 'high value, low volume' tourism strategy.
Held at Changlimithang Stadium, which accommodates around 15,000 people, the concert featured ticket prices ranging from approximately US$13.50 to US$100.
Concert-goers, including young fans like seven-year-old Ugyen Namdrel Dorji, were thrilled to see Sheeran live, with many actively singing along throughout the performance.
Evelyn Tay, a retiree, attended the concert as part of a seven-day tour package, highlighting the event's appeal to international travelers.
Bhutan, a country with a population of less than 800,000, has been gradually modernizing, having held its first democratic elections in 2007.
Summary based on 23 sources
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Sources

The Telegraph • Jan 27, 2025
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Daily Mail • Jan 26, 2025
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Times Of India • Jan 27, 2025
Ed Sheeran says he "had the honour" to be "first-ever international artist" to perform concert in Bhutan
The Straits Times • Jan 27, 2025
Travel News: Ed Sheeran is first international artiste to hold concert in Bhutan