Government waives off Sustainable Development Fee to promote east Bhutan

February 27, 2018
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Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) waiver for tourists visiting the six eastern dzongkhags came into effect from November 16, 2017.

An official with Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) said the tour operators who have already operated groups in the six eastern dzongkhags from November 16 last year could contact TCB to process for refund of SDF. “Strict verification will be carried out as per the approved guideline.”

TCB issued a notification on February 15 saying that no SDF will be applicable for the tourists visiting Mongar, Samdrupjongkhar, Lhuentse, Trashiyangtse, Trashigang and Pemagatshel.

SDF is a fee of USD 65 levied per person per night halt. The amount is included in the minimum daily package rate (MDPR), which is the minimum amount that has to be paid per person per night halt.

With the exemption, the tourist visiting the six eastern dzongkhags will now have to pay only USD 135 during the lean season and USD 185 during the peak season. The exemption of royalty will be implemented for three years.

International leisure tourists staying overnight or longer in the eastern circuit are eligible for SDF wavier. The total amount to be waved off will be calculated based on the duration of stay in the eastern circuit.

Finance minister proposed the Tourism Levy Exemption Bill, which was introduced as a money bill to the Parliament on November 16. A Money Bill, if approved, will come into effect from the date it is introduced in the Assembly.

The official said the Guideline for Wavier of Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in the Eastern Circuit will be revised from time to time.

MDPR for the eastern circuit covers a TCB certified accommodation facility (minimum three-star in case of hotels) and meals, a licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the entire duration of stay, internal land transport, and camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours. Additional charges have to be paid for availing services that are not covered under MDPR.

The guideline states that surcharges for small groups will be based on the existing provisions in the Tourism Rules and Regulations (TRR) 2017.

The official said TCB’s Quality Assurance Division would carry out monitoring and inspection from time to time with support from the dzongkhags, gewog authorities and other relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the guideline.

TCB certified hotels, home stays, campsites and providers of porter services will provide or facilitate access to documents or information required by TCB for monitoring and verification.

“The regional tourism office in Monger will also carry out inspection and monitoring from time to time once it is established,” the officials said.

Records with the immigration checkpoints about tourists entering and exiting eastern Bhutan will be used to facilitate monitoring and verification by the TCB.

If found not conducting tours as per the approved itinerary, in addition to fines as per the TRR 2017, tour operators will be liable for payment of SDF for the duration of stay.

The guideline also includes visa and payment application procedures.

Source Kuensel (Dechen Tshomo)

CNN picks Bhutan as one of the 17 best places to visit in 2017

February 10, 2017
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The popular international news channel called Cable News Network of the United States (CNN) has identified 17 best places in the world, which are must visits in 2017. Of these 17 places, Bhutan is one.

CNN has listed these 17 best places after consulting their travel experts.  The reason for picking Bhutan as one of the exclusive travel destinations is that it is the world’s eco-friendliest nation besides Gross National Happiness (GNH) as its main developmental paradigm.

For many, 2016 went down as one of the worst years in recent history.
Whether you’re still mourning the passing of your favorite entertainer, your fellow man’s decisions at the voting booth or ongoing violence around the world, we could all use a dose of happiness right now.
That’s where Bhutan comes in.
Not only does this mountainous Buddhist nation focus on happiness as a national indicator but by some accounts is the world’s eco-friendliest nation. As of 2016, it was reported to be the world’s first carbon negative country.
There’s an incredible amount of scenery, culture and excellent food spread across every corner of this tiny Himalayan country.
With Bhutan, a tour is essential the kingdom officially targets “high value, low impact” tourism.
This means the first step in planning any trip to Bhutan is to visit the Tourism Council of Bhutan website for a list of regulations required of all visitors.

SOURCE: BBS/CNN

Bhutan Is The Nature Lover’s Untouched Dream Destination

September 15, 2016
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Of the many travel destinations in Asia, Bhutan, sandwiched between India, Nepal and China, is certainly one of the less-visited places on Earth.

 

Bhutan’s constitution mandates that 60 percent of its land remains under forest cover.

 

A view of Bhutan’s Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

 

That’s because the landlocked country prides itself on keeping mass tourism at bay. But as Prince William and Duchess Kate (formerly Kate Middleton) visit the country later this month, Bhutan will quickly become a top spot on the bucket lists of many travelers who were formerly unfamiliar with the nation and all its natural beauty.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit India on April 10th, followed by Bhutan.

 

Bhutan was isolated from most of the world until the 1960s, when developmental efforts brought in telephones, schools, hospitals and a national currency. Today, the Tourism Council of Bhutan requires all travelers (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) to obtain a visa and book their trips through official Bhutanese tour operators.

In fact, on top of the amount of money it costs to travel to the nation, the Tourism Council of Bhutan requires travelers to pay a $200 or $250 fee per person per night to ensure visitors are keeping with the country’s policy of “high value, low impact” tourism. The fee includes 3-star accommodation, all meals, internal transportation, internal taxes and a sustainable tourism royalty of $65.

 

The former administrative centre of Punakha Dzong.

 

Traveling to this largely untouched place is an adventure all in itself. From the United States, travelers need to fly to cities in India, Thailand or Nepal for a direct flight to Paro, the location of Bhutan’s only international airport. Because there’s not much competition for flights to Bhutan, airline fees to Paro can be expensive.

The ParoTaktsang Palphug Buddhist monastery.

 

The country is filled with mountains, monasteries and a whole lot of nature.

The Paro Taktsang Palphug Buddhist monastery (pictured above) is just one breathtakingly beautiful monastery of over 40 in the region. The country also holds monthly festivals, or Tshechu, where, according to the Bhutan tourism website, participants “witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize.”

Hiking in Laya, in northwest Bhutan.

 

Looking for a Himalayan hiking adventure? Bhutan has you covered. According to its official tourism site, the country is rich with trekking trails for both inexperienced and more advanced hikers, with some lasting upward of 31 days.

When it comes to food, Conde Nast Traveler writes that the meals offered on the approved tours are aimed to please western travelers, and are not much to write home about. But local Bhutanese cuisine is known for its spiciness. Lovers of spicy foods might fancy sampling some items at the weekend market, while less daring types might opt for pork dumplings called momo. Fun fact: According to Conde Nast Traveler, pigs in Bhutan are fed on marijuana, which grows all over the central valleys.

A fruit stall at the market.

 

Chillies at the market.

 

And if you’re still thinking traveling there is not worth the effort, perhaps a peek at the landing itself might convince you. Of the many breathtaking views, the descent in to Paro International Airport includes a look at the majestic Mt. Everest itself.

Plus, you might even get a chance to see the King of Bhutan, one of the most vibrant — and stylish — leaders in the world.

His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has been recognized on Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed List.

 

With its deep cultural roots, lush scenery and exclusivity, Bhutan is the perfect place for travelers who are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.

Source: The Huffington Post

BHUTAN GOVERNMENT TRYING TO OFFER MORE INCENTIVES FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY

February 2, 2016
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Tax holiday in the offing for the hospitality sector

Newly established high-end resorts and tourist standard hotels will enjoy a 10-year income tax holiday from the date of commencing commercial operations should the draft Economic Development Policy (EDP) materialize.

However, the tourist standard hotels and resorts should be established between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019.

Import of furniture and fixtures, kitchen and laundry equipment, mattresses and linens, cutlery and crockery (with embossed logo of the hotel concerned), sanitary wares and electrical fittings shall be exempted from customs duty and sales tax on recommendation of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

This, according to the draft EDP is because quality of tourist class hotels is of paramount importance besides facilitating such investments.

Currently, tourist standard hotels and resorts established from 2010 to 2015 also enjoy the same tax benefits.

TCB classifies and categorizes tourist standard hotels and resorts based on 320 parameters under six broad features of location and type of property; room comfort, quality of equipment, fittings and furniture; service facilities; leisure facilities; additional in house facilities and services; and sustainable tourism practices.

The draft EDP also states that farmhouses that meet the minimum standards for hospitality shall register with TCB and be exempt from all licensing requirements and income tax.

Similarly, a 10-year tax holiday shall be provided to guest traditional village houses and lodges that meet the minimum standards for hospitality established between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019.

Existing hotels are also eligible for a reinvestment allowance of 25 percent of the total capital expenditure incurred for up-gradation should the draft EDP gets the green signal from the government.

Economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk in an earlier interview said, “the document is still in a draft stage and would require a lot of discussions before it becomes a policy.”

There are about 133 hotels across the country with the highest located in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. The occupancy rate is about 30 to 35 percent on an average for hotels in the western region, about 17 percent in central and seven percent in the eastern region.

With most of the hotels located in the western region, some hoteliers said that the incentives should be prioritized based on the dzongkhags.

Hoteliers said that as the hospitality sector makes the highest investment, such incentives are necessary. However, some said it was time the government shift the focus to other dzongkhags.

One of the hoteliers said that the tax holiday and exemptions helped the hospitality sector grow with more competition that also saw improvement in standards.

“It’s time the agencies concerned study the carrying capacity to project the required rooms,” one hotelier in Paro said. “This would also help equal spread of regional benefits.”

Seasonality is a prominent issue that hoteliers in the country face today.

As is the trend, the annual tourism report 2014 states that Paro, Thimphu and Punakha recorded the highest number of bed nights in 2014. Bed nights in Paro constituted about one-third (34.43 percent) of the total followed by Thimphu and Punakha that composed 26 percent and 16 percent of the total bed nights respectively.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF JAPAN-BHUTAN FRIENDSHIP

January 21, 2016
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Japanese tourists are entitled huge discounts in June, July and August

Japanese tourists visiting Bhutan will not have to pay the mandatory minimum daily package rate of USD 200 per person. They will only pay the daily royalty of USD 65 per person per night.

This is the highlight of Bhutan-Japan Friendship offer that was launched simultaneously in Thimphu and Tokyo, Japan on 19th January to commemorate 30 years of close diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In Thimphu, Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji launched the offer, while minister for economic affairs, Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk, launched the offer in Tokyo.

The offer is for the months of June, July and August, which includes 50 percent discount on airfare besides discount of up to 50 percent on the hotels. There will also be flexibility of choices in other services.

All Japanese tourists are required to book their trip to Bhutan through a licensed tour operator.

Lyonpo Damcho Dorji said that the offer is launched against the backdrop of three special events in Bhutan this year – birth of the Royal Heir, birth year of Guru Rinpoche and the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s arrival in Bhutan.

“Against this historical background, Bhutan and Japan are commemorating 30 years of bilateral relations and friendship,” lyonpo said. “The offer is special and it would help promote people to people contact.”

Lyonpo also highlighted important development assistance from Japan in the agriculture, health, education, communications and human resource sectors. “The offer is a testimony of the good relations between the two countries,” lyonpo said, adding that bilateral relations between the two countries began in March 28, 1986.

TCB officials said that Japan has been an important development partner since formal relations started between Japan and Bhutan, especially in the area of agriculture sector where late Dasho Nishioka played an important role in promoting agriculture in Bhutan.

According to TCB, the first group of Japanese tourists visited Bhutan in 1975 when Bhutan opened up for tourism. Since then Japan remains an important market for Bhutan.

However, most tour operators expressed dissatisfaction over the offer saying the industry was not consulted and that the offer should not have been specific to Japan.

The tour operators’ and hotels associations had proposed for a similar offer last year for all tourists in the lean season.

Tour operators said the offer was decided despite reservations from tour operators. As the offer is from June to August, they said the offer would have implications in the long run, as most Japanese tourists travel during these months.

“Such offers are not beneficial but have a huge implication on the industry,” a tour operator said, adding that such offers should be done at a government level instead of strangulating the throats of businessmen. “Every time the government does that, they never consider touching the royalty but just the tariff.”

Some tour operators who deal with the Japanese market said even the Japanese agents were not happy with the offer. “None of us in the industry are happy,” one said. “It’s like legalizing undercutting at a time when it has become the talk of the town.”

A similar offer for Thai tourist was launched for the same period in 2014 to commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The offer for Thai tourists, some tour operators said had a huge implication on the Thai market now, as it has become difficult to promote Bhutan in Thailand after the offer.

“Now the Thais know how low we can get so it’s difficult to sell tour packages at the normal rate,” a tour operator said.

Tour operators said Japanese market has always been good for Bhutan as a major source except for 2014 that witnessed a drop.

Records with TCB show a steady increase in arrivals of Japanese tourists since 2004, when the country recorded 1,087 tourists.  In 2012, Japan surpassed America in terms of international visitor segment for the first time with 6,967 tourists. Bhutan usually gets the highest arrivals from the US, followed by Japan.

Tourist arrivals from Japan slumped by more than 30 percent in 2014 where about 2,707 tourists visited, the lowest since 2010.  In 2013, the country recorded some 4,015 Japanese tourists.

The peak arrivals in 2012 were mainly attributed to His Majesty the King and Gyaltsuen’s visit to Japan in 2011, which generated enormous publicity and awareness on Bhutan.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STICKS TO IT’S DECISION TO CLOSE TAKTSHANG EVERY TUESDAY

January 8, 2016
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Taktshang to remain closed every Tuesdays

Officials of Paro Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) reiterated that the closure timing for Taktshang Monastery should be implemented as endorsed during the eighth session of DT.

The tshogdu on December 30 wrote to the Taktshang Lam, Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and the Dzongkhag Administration asking them to implement the closure timing from January 1, 2016 as decided during the DT.

The eighth session of the DT last September decided to close Taktshang for visitors on Tuesdays except during auspicious days.

The Dzongkhag Administration submitted the proposal saying that cleaning, repair and renovation works will be done on the days when the Monastery remains closed. The decision was to be implemented after informing TCB and other stakeholders. However, during a meeting between TCB, the Dzongkhag Administration of Paro, and Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) on December 23, it was agreed that the proposed timing would be deferred for three months.

ABTO and TCB have been asked to come up with a “workable solution”, failing which, the proposed closure as endorsed by the DT will be implemented.

DT officials said that no one has the right to nullify DT’s resolution. For any change in decision, the right procedure is that it has to be routed through the DT, said DT Chairman Phub Tshering.

“We stand by our decision and the closure timing should be implemented,” Phub Tshering said.

ABTO and TCB officials were not available for comment. Tour operators expressed concerns over the tussle between the DT and the various agencies. They say that they have already sold tour packages for this year, which could cause serious problem with their clients.

“TCB should have the authority to decide on important tourism-related matters,” said a tour operator. Another tour operator said that while the dzongkhag is responsible for addressing issues pertaining to Taktshang, the way the decision is being taken without proper consultation is wrong.

“Taktshang is an important tourist site,” he added. “It should remain open on all days as it would have a huge impact on tourism industry.”

Taktshang gets more than 1,000 pilgrims a day, including tourists. Due to rise in the number of visitors, keeping the trail clean has become an issue.

SOURCE: KUENSEL (Kinga Dema)

BHUTAN GOVERNMENT SAYS NO TO OVERNIGHT CHANGE IN TOURISM POLICY

January 4, 2016
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No haste in reforming tourism sector

The government will decide on the proposed changes in the tourism sector after studying the recommendations of the National Council, draft Economic Development Policy (EDP) and Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

Economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk, at the meet-the-press session on 1st January, said the government would examine and get a comprehensive perspective after it has all the three recommendations.

“Firstly we need to see if there is a need for reform and if so, what is the path that we tread and the strategies that we would adopt,” lyonpo said, when asked about the government’s view on whether its time for a change in the tariff system as recommended by the Council and proposed in the draft EDP.

Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk is also the vice chairman of the TCB.

He said it’s interesting that currently the tourism sector is looked at from three fronts referring to the Council, the EDP and the TCB’s review of tourism policy.

While the National Council probably focused on the tariff structure, lyonpo said a group of civil servants from the economic affairs ministry are working on the EDP.

“As part of the comprehensive EDP, they have also looked at how to revamp and reform the tourism sector where they have also included the tariff structure,” lyonpo said.

Most importantly, lyonpo said TCB with support of expertise from the World Bank is developing a comprehensive recommendation on the tourism strategies and policies as a whole that would capture the structure as well.

“The government would be much wiser with three different recommendations perhaps with some convergence,” lyonpo said. “We’ll entrust all the recommendations to the civil servants who would then give a reasoned judgment.”

Lyonpo said that essentially for the government, it works with relevant civil servants to whom all the recommendations would be entrusted.

“So until it comes to the Cabinet, we will not be able to take any decision,” lyonpo said, adding that right now the government has the Council’s and the EDP recommendations and that TCB recommendation is expected soon.

The National Council during its 16th session resolved to recommend the government to reform the “archaic tourism pricing mechanism by moving from the fixed minimum daily tariff system to a more transparent pricing system that provides tourists greater value for money and discourages the malpractice of undercutting and improves higher value tourism.”

“This recommendation would entail retaining or even increasing the royalty component (sustainable tourism fee) and requiring tourists to be routed through local tour operators and using local tour guides,” the resolution states.

Terming Bhutan as an exclusive tourist destination, the draft EDP states that tourists will no longer be required to come through a travel agency. Instead tourists are required to pay a sustainable development fee (royalty) and show the confirmations of guide, vehicle and hotel reservation, airline booking, and travel itinerary before they are issued visas.

The draft EDP states that tourists would be provided with visitors card at the point of entry that provides access to all historical, cultural and other tourist sites.  The value of the card will be equivalent to the visa fees and the sustainable development fee (SDF). The SDF shall be the sole mechanism to promote high value low impact tourism.

The draft EDP also states that TCB would set the SDF on a monthly basis at the beginning of the year to ensure distribution of the tourist inflow throughout the year and by region. The draft also recommends lower fees in the months when the tourist arrivals are low and higher fees during peak season.

For tourists staying longer than 10 days, lower fees would be levied and a discount on SDF would be offered for repeat visitors from their second visit. However, the government can exempt or lower the SDF to visitors from select countries during lean seasons for a fixed duration.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

BHUTAN TOURISM STAKEHOLDER REMAIN DIVIDED FOR CHANGE IN POLICY

December 21, 2015
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The cost of maximizing tourism benefits

The National Council’s proposed changes in the tourism industry have left the industry divided.

Tour operators are against any reform in the existing tariff or policy while the guides and hoteliers welcome it.

The EAC recommended the government to retain the royalty of USD 65 a day a tourist and lift the tariff to ensure all stakeholders maximize tourism opportunities and minimize revenue leakages.

The EAC’s chairperson and Chukha’s councilor, Pema Tenzin said that the government reviews the Council’s recommendations for its practicality and provides a follow up report on its status.

The players

The tourism industry is governed by the “high value, low impact” policy. All tariff-paying tourists have to route through tour operators. They design the itinerary for tourists, chose hotels and assign a guide and transportation. Tourists who opt to stay in their preferred choice of hotels have to bear the surcharge. Of about 1,700 tour operators, only about 400 are operational. The top 10 tour operators bring in about 30 percent of the total international tourists.

There are about 133 hotels across the country with the highest located in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. The occupancy rate is about 30 to 35 percent on an average for hotels in the western region, about 17 percent in central and seven percent in the eastern region.

There are about 2,500 licensed guides of which a majority are cultural guides. They are paid about Nu 500 to Nu 1,500 a day during peak season while in the lean season they get about Nu 500 to 1,000.

Today, small vehicles hired for tourists are paid Nu 18 to 21 a km while coaster busses categorized as medium vehicles get about Nu 30 to 35.

Issues 

The prominent issues confronting the industry today are hotel occupancy, equal spread of tourism benefits, seasonality and the alleged undercutting practices. The sector has been grappling with these issues for more than four decades.

Questions are also raised on how effective the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s (TCB) and tour operators marketing strategies are. Lack of innovation among tour operators is another issue. A majority of tour operators still sell the same tour packages and every year cultural tourists top the list of arrivals while less than 10 percent visit for adventure tour. Other products such as Buddhism, wellness and spa or biking, community based tourism and retreat are yet to pick up.

Unregulated regional tourist arrivals, which is increasing is seen as a threat to the country’s brand as a niche destination. Until a couple of years ago, regional tourists were not part of the tourism statistics but now the numbers are used as a yardstick for achieving targets.

Hoteliers’ and guides’ stand

Hoteliers and most guides laud the Council’s recommendation on doing away with the fixed tariff. The proposed change, they said would tackle the regional spread of tourism benefits and the seasonality issue. They said in the current system, tour operators decide where guests stay, what they do, eat or visit. The profit from tourism is not distributed within the industry, as tour operators want the lowest price for transportation, hotel, and guides.

Reasoning that hoteliers make the most investment in the industry and create the highest employment, they said its time tour operators promote Bhutan as a niche market instead of undercutting. They said the current system worked only in the past when there were fewer hotels, guides and tour operators.

Three-star hoteliers said they sell a room for about Nu 1,500 to 2,000 a night after offering 30 to 40 percent discount and removing all facilities in a bid to save costs.

“Although there is a huge scope, most hotels are unable to break even,” a hotelier and tour operator in Paro said.

In the current system, hoteliers and guides said that if they don’t have good relations with tour operators, they don’t get business. “Even if a tourist chooses your hotel, the tour operator would tell them that the rooms are booked and move them to another.”

Hoteliers said that the existing system has forced guides to depend on commission and take guests to the shops and hotels, depending on who provides them the highest commission besides demanding free food and lodge from hotels where tour operators keep their guests.

Guides Association of Bhutan’s (GAB) chairman Garab Dorji said the whole issue boils down to undercutting, which he said is rampant. “After offering a huge discount to overseas agents, the discount is pushed onto hotels and guides,” he said. “Hotels and guides don’t have a choice but to accept it as its better to have some guests than none.”

“The proposed changes will level the field for all where everyone gets equal chance,” Garab Dorji said.

It is alleged that most tour operators especially the bigger players sell tour packages for USD 130 to 170 a day.

Hotels and Restaurants Association of Bhutan’s (HRAB) president Thinley Palden Dorji said there is no denying that there is a problem.

“There is an issue with the way the industry is structured,” he said, calling for reform for the long-term health of the industry. “What makes the situation worse is that many hotels don’t receive their payment on time.”

Tour Operators’ take

Tour operators contend that not all undercut. They insist that any reform in the policy would affect the industry and Bhutan as a destination. Their argument is mainly based on “why fix something that is not broken” and that any change would mean, “killing the golden goose.”

Tour operators argue that if changes come through, it would mean undercutting is legalized. The increase in tourists, they said would promote mass tourism considering the tourist population ratio.

“The carrying capacity in terms of services and infrastructure need to be studied well,” a tour operator said, adding that any reform would add pressure on the limited resources.

Some tour operators attributed undercutting to management lapses, which they said would worsen if the existing tariff were removed.

“It’s not true that tour operators dictate the market. Not anymore,” one said. “It used to function that way in the 90s where information was solely dependent on tour operators but today hoteliers market themselves while clients seek information online prior to their visits.”

They said that although the price or tariff is just one component of the overall aspect of tourism, it was different for Bhutan as the tariff is the only factor that has maintained the country’s policy of high value, low impact for the past 41 years.

“Instead of meddling with the tariff that has worked so well, its time we come up with a proper plan and system in place,” Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators’ (ABTO) executive director Sonam Dorje said.

Citing that there are bigger issues that need to be tackled, Sonam Dorje said that tour operators are not adverse to change but first quality, standardization and professionalism in the industry should be addressed.

“Lets put our house in order first and have the system in place and then talk about the price,” Sonam Dorje said.

Some tour operators also said there are no basic infrastructure in place currently to maximize from the increase in arrivals if the tariff was removed. They also questioned how the reform would guarantee regional spread of tourism benefits and address the seasonality and occupancy issue for hotels.

The change in tariff, a tour operator said would be the beginning of an end. “It’s not right to malign tour operators when there is nothing wrong with the policy,” he said. “Brand Bhutan wasn’t created overnight, it was a deliberate approach to economic development. The brand is immeasurable.”

Referring to the occupancy issue and bad debts of hotels, another tour operator said that it was not the government’s job to bail out failed businesses. “The realty is that if the tariff system is removed, another 100 hotels will come up again and the same issues will exist.”

Council’s stand

EAC chairperson Pema Tenzin said the Council was looking at maximizing the policy by removing the fixed tariff.

On the accusation from tour operators that they were not consulted, Pema Tenzin said the committee has done enough consultation even before the 15th session.

He said all members sought views on the issue during their constituency visits besides consulting TCB, ABTO, HRAB and GAB, among others. “There were guides, foreigners, and people from non-tourism sectors who wrote to us,” he said.

The Council’s stand, he said is to stop mass tourism and encourage high-end tourists and address the existing issues in the industry.

“The royalty will serve as the pricing mechanism to avoid budget tourists,” he said, while emphasizing the need to manage regional tourists stating that Bhutan cannot have two standards for tourists.  “Let the market decide,” he said.

Pema Tenzin also said that TCB, as the apex body, instead of stamping visas and calculating the daily tariff, have a bigger mandate.

On the possibility of tax evasion and revenue leakages given the poor monitoring system in place currently, Pema Tenzin said the government must ensure an aggressive taxation system.

Meanwhile, Drukair’s CEO Tandi Wangchuk said that although it’s difficult to take a stand at the moment, an increase in passengers would mean additional business for the airlines.

“As a carrier, we will be happy with any policy that ensures increase in tourist arrivals and throughout the year,” he said.

TCB officials did not want to comment.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

A LOCAL GUIDE DIES TRYING TO SAVE THE LIFE OF HIS GUEST

November 5, 2015
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A 66-year-old male tourist from France and a 26-year-old guide died, after both drowning in Mebartsho in Bumthang.

The body of the 26-year-old guide who jumped in the Mebartsho (lake), Bumthang to rescue a tourist who slipped and fell in the lake around 10.50 am, 4th November 2015 is yet to be recovered.

According to police, the French tourist, 66, fell in the lake while taking photographs. Another tourists who had also jumped in the lake along with the guide to rescue, the tourist managed to come out safely.

He also managed to pull the tourist after he was pushed ashore by the guide. However, they could not save the guide as he was washed away.

The tourist died a few minutes later from excess water inhalation. The tourist travelled as a part of 15-member group. The guide was from Bongo, Chukha.

Bumthang dzongkhag officials, police and DeSuup volunteers searched for the body.

This is the fifth incident of drowning at Mebartsho since April 2011. In 2013, an Indian couple died after they drowned in the lake.

Since 2013, safety of tourists visiting the Mebartsho has been highlighted in all forums and even discussed in the Bumthang Dzongkhag Tshogdu. The Tshogdu even considered disallowing unguided tourists at the lake but later resolved that the dzongkhag come up with appropriate safety measures instead.

It has been more than two years now but safety at the lake site still remains an issue as ever. None of the trails are secured by fence on either of side of lake. As of last year, the dzongkhag administration was still looking for funds to construct railings and traditional structures in eight hazardous areas to ensure visitors’ safety.

Dzongkhag engineer Yeshey Dorji said that the safety plans could not be implemented out of fear from disturbing the sanctity of the sacred lake. “We couldn’t execute the plans as the home ministry didn’t respond on whether the constructions should be carried out,” he said.

However, the dzongkhag had put up cautionary signboards barring visitors from crossing certain hazardous points.

Yeshey Dorji said that accidents occurred because the visitors go too close to the lake not adhering to the warnings.

Hotel Association of Bumthang’s chairman Pema Dawa said that save for the concrete railing towards the lake from the road point, no additional safety mechanisms were in place.

Pema Dawa said the hoteliers raised the issue in every meeting with local leaders, parliamentarians, Tourism Council of Bhutan and the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “The issue always got sidelined because of lack of budget,” he said.

Going by media reports, at least one tourist dies in Bhutan every year.  The causes of death are either altitude sickness or medical condition for most international or dollar paying tourists, while most of the regional tourists died from mishaps.

In 2013 four tourists deaths were recorded.  In May, a Swedish tourist died after she slipped and fell below Bumdra, located high above Taktsang monastery in Paro.  In October, an Indian couple drowned at Mebartsho followed by the death of an elderly Japanese tourist, who died of altitude sickness.

Records indicate that most international tourists, who died in the country, were elderly people.  On an average, about four international tourists are evacuated every year from the mountains while on treks due to altitude sickness.

SOURCE: KUENSEL (Tempa Wangdi)

Trekking in Bhutan only on designated routs and campsites

October 20, 2015
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Trekkings 230598

Tourism Council of Bhutan: Tour operators must use designated routes and campsites

In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the Bumdra campsite above Taktshang in Paro, Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) officials clarified that the campsite is not among the approved trekking routes and campsites.

This means that tour operators cannot keep their guests at Bumdra campsite.

If tour operators are found using undesignated trekking routes and campsites, TCB officials said they would be penalised in line with the tourism regulations.

The tourism rules and regulations states that if tour operators are found using trekking routes and campsites that are not in the TCB’s published list, they will be slapped a fine of Nu 5,000 with a warning on the first instance. If caught again, tour operators will be penalised Nu 10,000 with a warning. On the third offense, the tour operator’s licence will be cancelled.

It was alleged that a permanent campsite was set up at Bumdra acquiring land on lease from the dratshang without following due processes. The company is also alleged to be charging exorbitant rates for the facilities at the campsite that was equipped with solar power and Internet connectivity.

TCB officials said the company providing trekking services at Bumdra is not registered with them. In such cases, officials said that tour operators will be answerable and not the service provider since tour operators and guides are under the TCB’s purview and not service providers.

TCB’s head of marketing and promotion division Damcho Rinzin said the list of trek routes and campsites are also reflected in the Tashel online system where tour operators must identify the names of campsites if tourists are going camping or trekking.

“All tour operators must be aware of the designated trekking routes and campsites,” he said, adding that the same applies for accommodation. “It is mandatory that all tourists are kept in tourist standard accommodation.”

Records with TCB show about 34 designated trekking routes and campsites across the country. There are about 57 TCB certified farm stays in the country with the highest in Wangduephodrang at 24. There are about 123 tourist standard hotels in the country.

Although known for its environment, Bhutan is rather seen as a cultural destination and comparatively receives less number of trekking tourists every year. Trekking in Bhutan is part of nature-based tourism activity with treks varying from one to 40 nights.

In 2014, trekking tourists constituted about 13 percent of the total international arrivals records with TCB show. About 68,081 international tourists visited Bhutan last year.

Trekking tourists increased in 2010 and 2011 after which it started to decline. In 2010, the country recorded 2,753 trekking tourists, which increased to 3,402 in 2011. However, it dropped to 3,165 in 2012 while in 2013 only about 2,943 of the total international arrivals were for trekking.

Tour operators said most tourists complained that trekking in Bhutan was not worth what they paid for given the garbage filled trails and lack of infrastructure or development along the routes.

Despite the same minimum daily tariff of USD 250 and 200 during the peak and lean season for both cultural and trekking tourists, tour operators said it was easier to sell cultural tour packages.

Contributed by Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

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