Economic Affairs Committee calls for equitable distribution of tourist traffic across the country’s dzongkhags
The National Council’s Economic Affairs Committee has spotlighted significant regional disparities in Bhutan’s tourism sector, urging the government to implement strategies that ensure a more balanced distribution of visitors across the nation’s diverse dzongkhags.
Chairperson Tshewang Rinchen presented alarming statistics during a recent committee meeting, revealing that in 2019, the western region attracted a whopping 230,296 tourists. In stark contrast, the central region welcomed only 17,660 visitors, while the eastern and southern regions saw a mere 7,129 and 4,578 tourists respectively. These figures underscore a persistent imbalance despite the country’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism strategy aimed at sustainable growth.
“The western region’s advantage as the primary entry point for international tourists is undeniable, thanks to the Paro International Airport, extensive road networks, and a plethora of hotels and amenities,” Rinchen explained. “However, the central, eastern, and southern dzongkhags lag significantly behind due to inadequate infrastructure, limited transportation options, and a scarcity of accommodations tailored to tourists.”
The committee chairperson highlighted that these shortcomings have led to most visitors confining their stays to the western region, leaving the more remote areas underexplored. Compounding the issue is the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which increases the cost of longer stays and discourages tourists from venturing beyond the western hubs.
Addressing the committee, Rinchen emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework to bridge the infrastructure gaps and enhance awareness of Bhutan’s lesser-visited regions. “To achieve a balanced tourist distribution, we must not only improve infrastructure but also promote these hidden gems to potential visitors,” he stated.
Committee members offered various solutions to mitigate the regional imbalance. Phuntsho Rapten, an eminent member, proposed a thorough review of the SDF revenue, suggesting it be evaluated in both US dollars and Indian rupees to better align with Bhutan’s broader economic objectives. He stressed the importance of prioritizing revenue from international tourists, who have a more substantial economic impact.
Trashigang MP Sonam Tobgyel pointed out that the absence of a comprehensive tourism act and frequent policy shifts create confusion among tourists, potentially deterring them from exploring beyond the western regions. “Consistency in policy is crucial to build trust and encourage tourists to discover all that Bhutan has to offer,” Tobgyel remarked.
Paro MP Ugyen Tshering echoed the need for enhanced infrastructure in the eastern and southern regions. He noted that the SDF waiver introduced in 2018 for the eastern region did not significantly boost tourist numbers, primarily due to persistent infrastructural deficiencies. “Basic amenities, such as functioning restrooms along major routes like Thimphu-Paro, are still lacking and need immediate attention,” Tshering added.
Moreover, Tshering highlighted the dominance of foreign tour operators in setting prices for hotels and services, which limits the economic benefits of tourism to local Bhutanese service providers. He called for measures to ensure that road-entry tourism benefits the local economy more effectively.
As of September 2024, Bhutan had welcomed a total of 95,633 tourists, comprising 31,073 international visitors and 64,560 regional tourists. The Economic Affairs Committee plans to engage in further consultations with the Department of Immigration, the Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, and other relevant stakeholders to address these challenges comprehensively.
In addition to policy reviews, committee members will undertake field visits to key tourist destinations to gain firsthand insights into the sector’s obstacles and opportunities. A detailed report on the state of Bhutan’s tourism is slated for presentation during the National Council’s summer session, aiming to pave the way for a more inclusive and balanced tourism framework.
