In a significant move to enhance its tourism sector, the government has unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives geared towards increasing tourist arrivals and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Key measures include the streamlining of visa processing times and the upgrading of payment systems to facilitate smoother transactions for international guests. Recognizing the pivotal role of tourism in the economy, these improvements are deemed crucial steps towards the government's target of welcoming 300,000 tourists annually, with half expected to be dollar-paying visitors.
Streamlining Visa Processes and Improving Payment Systems
Currently, visa approvals can take up to five working days, a process often considered cumbersome, particularly during weekends and public holidays. This poses challenges for walk-in tourists, especially from neighboring countries like India and Nepal, looking to extend their trips. To address this issue, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has pledged to make the immigration department available 24/7 by implementing three shifts, ensuring adequate staffing to handle increased workloads. Additionally, efforts are underway to enable credit card transactions within the country, meeting the preferences of tourists who favor digital payments over cash. This move is anticipated to benefit local businesses, including handicraft sellers, by simplifying the purchasing process for tourists.
Boosting Tourist Arrivals through Improved Services
While last year saw over 103,000 tourists, surpassing the projected arrival target, the government acknowledges the need for enhanced services to achieve the ambitious goal of 300,000 visitors. Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel underscores the role of Bhutanese embassies and consulates in promoting tourism abroad, and increased marketing funding is being pursued to attract a larger number of visitors. Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji outlines a phased approach to tourism growth, emphasizing the attraction of dollar-paying tourists with the goal of increasing their proportion to 60 percent of total tourists in subsequent years.
Revising Tourism Policies for Sustainable Growth
Recognizing the necessity of policy revisions for sustainable tourism growth, the government is committed to reviewing its tourism policies, including the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). The revised policy will articulate how the SDF is utilized, with a focus on investing in education, environmental conservation, and tourism infrastructure. This strategic approach aims not only to boost tourist numbers but also to ensure that tourism development aligns with the country's broader socio-economic goals. The government's initiatives reflect a comprehensive effort to make the country more attractive and accessible to international visitors, promising a brighter future for Bhutan's tourism sector.
