The trouble with tourism
Tour operators seek govt. help in solving the industry’s problems
7 August: Not everything is hunky dory with Bhutan’s main hard currency source and the country’s second largest revenue earner – the tourism industry. There are many issues that need to be addressed by the government for the industry’s growth, according to the association of Bhutanese tour operators (ABTO), who presented their problems to the government on Wednesday. The major issues, they say, are with the inconsistent Drukair flights, rules and regulations for visa, dress codes, permits and fees by agencies.
As of July end, 810 tourists, confirmed to visit Bhutan in September-October, are still on a waiting list of the Druk Air flight schedule. This translates to USD 1.2m in revenue, says ABTO.
The frequency of flights to shorter sectors, if increased, would benefit all sectors with more number of tourist arrivals, said the general secretary of ABTO, Sonam Dorji. If proper and advance planning or management could be instituted by Drukair, we feel that the frequency of flights could be increased.
Drukair, being the single operator deciding not to operate flights that are not commercially viable, has a larger impact on the stakeholders and the economy, said ABTO.
Tour operators point out that last minute announcements of change in schedules and withdrawal of flights hamper the working environment of tour operators and dealings with foreign agents. Planning of schedules and routes were necessary in this case, they said.
However the general manger of Drukair, Tshering Penjor, said that, though they have the capacity to increase the frequency of flights, they have to see the commercial viability. Increased frequency would also increase cost and it has to be justified with the increasing traffic as well, he said, adding that the frequency of flights last year and this year is fairly similar.
With regard to change in schedules, we always announce and notify beforehand to all passengers and through ABTO as well, said Tshering Penjor.
Kinzang Lham, general manager of Norbu Bhutan travels, said, “As per the travel itinerary, we book hotel rooms and, when the flight is cancelled or the dates changed, we have to pay the hotel. Moreover, guests have to re-book their tickets, which they pay themselves. SOmetimes they cancel their trip.
Sonam Dorji said that there should be a uniform rule applicable for dress codes, permits to visit dzongs or courtyards and fees by agencies. The present rule allows visitors to dzong courtyards in some places, while it’s restricted in others and, with a new administrator in the area, there is change in rules instead of following the circular already in place.
The fees charged by the government-owned museums and parks increase without prior notification or value for money that affects the tour costing. So, there should be a uniform rule, said Sonam Dorji.
Records show that over the years, tourist arrival has increased from 9,249 in 2004 to 27,636 last year. Similarly, revenue generated increased from USD 12.5m in 2004 to USD 38.8m, last year. Revenue earned in terms of royalty was USD 4.34m in 2004 and USD 13.8m last year.
source: kuensel
