The opposition’s motion to introduce direct flights from Guwahati, India to three domestic airports in the country and vice-versa was passed in the National Assembly (NA) yesterday.
The three domestic airports are: Bathpathang in Bumthang, Yonphula in Trashigang and Gelegphu.
The opposition’s motion to open additional entry points to Bhutan for regional tourists coming from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Maldives was also rubber-stamped by the house.
The entry points were suggested at Samdrup Jongkhar, Gelegphu, Nganglam and Panbang.
The opposition had put forth the motion as a measure to promote tourism for balanced regional development in the country.
The MP from Dewathang-Gomdar Constituency in Samdrup Jongkhar, Ugyen Dorji presented the motion in the house.
He said although tourism revenue has fattened the government coffers and created employment opportunities, only a handful of districts have reaped the benefits.
“There are three direct benefits of tourism. First, it helps to improve the country’s economy. Second, it creates jobs, and third, places frequented by tourists are directly benefited. But not all the districts directly reaped the tourism benefits.”
While most members in the house spoke in favour of the motion to open more entry points, a few others expressed the need for proper regulation to monitor the regional tourists.
“The issue is that the regional tourists bring their cars in our country along with ration and cooking utensils. They enter from Phuentshogling and exit from Samdrup Jongkhar and this only generates more wastes,” The Gangzur-Minjey MP, Kinga Penjor, said.
Dramedtse-Ngatshang MP Ugyen Wangdi commented the same.
“Regional tourists who want to drive their vehicles may enter from Phuentshogling. But if they want to enter from other entry points to the country, we have to make rules to ensure regional tourists hire guides and use local vehicles.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, stated that policies deeming influx of regional tourists leading to security issues have become outdated.
“Give us time to frame proper rules and regulations if we are to open more entry points for regional tourists. We are also reviewing tourism policy. If we are given enough time to work on this, I will give my full support,” he added.
On commencing direct flights between Guwahati and three domestic airports, prime minister said, “I want to support it but first we will have to see if it will benefit us or not. Let us take the views of the two airlines. If it is simply about granting permission, we can support it right away.”
After lengthy deliberation, the house decided to settle the matter through voting.
Forty MPs voted in favour of operating direct flights between Guwahati and three domestic airports. Three voted against the motion.
Likewise, 40 members voted to pass the motion to open additional entry points for regional tourists. Two voted against it while one abstained from voting.
At the moment, regional tourists can only enter through Phuentshogling, and exit via any border towns. On the other hand, air service between domestic airports and Indian airports is non-existent.
