Dear Editor, Bhutan Live News
I am hotel owner in Paro. I see many problem now in tourism. Hoteliers in Phuentsholing say many hotels empty, and they blame SDF. This fee make tourists not stay in Bhutan. Instead, they stay in Jaigaon, India, to not pay SDF. So, our hotels lose business. We all want good tourism, but this SDF is pushing people away, not helping.
Government say they give loans and make better places with ESP. But for us, loan or new building no good if no tourist come. We need people to come and stay, not just nice building with no guest.
Hoteliers suggest good idea—give 72-hour SDF waiver for tourists in Phuentsholing. If they can stay 3 days without fee, maybe they stay in Bhutan, sleep in hotels, eat food, and enjoy culture. This help economy more than tourist just passing by.
Government say they try make tourists stay longer by giving new tourism product. That is good. But SDF rule also need change. If first barrier is big, tourist no want to come at all.
Also, we all agree—need promote Bhutan, not just one hotel. Marketing must bring people to country first. Then they choose hotel later. We remember, People’s Democratic Party promise to review SDF. We ask government, please do this fast. Tourism dying, and many of us suffer.
We love Bhutan, and we want share it. But policy must help, not hurt.
Sincerely,
Karma Dorji
Owner, Dragon’s Nest Hotel, Paro
