In a strategic pivot aimed at aiding those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutan’s Department of Tourism (DoT) has reassessed its flagship tourism programme. Originally endowed with a substantial budget of Nu 1.5 billion under the 12th Plan for regional development, the department saw only Nu 713 million allocated, with Nu 232 million earmarked specifically for COVID-19-related economic relief.
The DoT official clarified that tourism did not have a standalone flagship programme. Instead, the overarching 12th Plan itself was approved as the flagship initiative. The programme sought to boost tourism through the establishment of four distinct circuits: Eastern, Western, Southern, and Central. These circuits were designed to enhance tourism accessibility and development across Bhutan.
Despite these plans, practical implementation faced hurdles. The necessity for international tourists, except for those from India, to enter Bhutan via Paro or Phuentsholing impeded travel to more remote regions. Consequently, the department was unable to fully realize its circuit-based plans due to access constraints.
Nevertheless, the DoT made significant strides in other areas. For the Eastern circuit, new tourism experiences were introduced, including the Royal Heritage Tour and the Om-Ah-Hung Journey, alongside the Lotus Valley Trek and Tour. In the Western circuit, Gasa emerged as a promising destination, complemented by a new trekking route and enhancements to notable events like the Black Necked Crane Festival.
The Southern circuit saw the development of the Bjimichu Tourist Site and new attractions in Jigmeling and Dagana. The Central circuit benefited from the Heritage Palace Tour and the Bhutan Bird Festival, adding to Bhutan’s cultural and ecological tourism appeal.
However, challenges persisted. Tashi Tenzin, former head of the programme management unit, noted that planned festivals such as the Merak-Sakteng Highland Festival and the Zorig Chusum Festival were curtailed due to the pandemic’s impact on infrastructure and amenities.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the DoT reprioritized its approach to support displaced industry workers. The Tourism Economic Contingency Plan was implemented in two phases across nine months, from April to December 2020. This plan engaged over 1,000 displaced employees through a variety of initiatives.
Key components of the plan included infrastructure development, product enhancement, and capacity building. The department focused on upgrading tourist destinations and creating new amenities, such as improved trails and campsites. The Google Street View initiative employed laid-off guides and photographers, allowing them to contribute to national-level digital updates.
Training and re-skilling programs were also introduced, offering opportunities in handicrafts, hotel assessment, wellness, and advanced food production. Waste management efforts targeted cleaning and advocacy along popular trekking routes and tourist sites, with displaced employees playing a crucial role.
In total, the government’s response involved an expenditure of Nu 232 million and the engagement of 1,551 displaced tourism sector workers. This comprehensive strategy underscores the DoT’s commitment to not only reviving tourism but also ensuring that the sector’s workforce is supported through challenging times.
