The government is hopeful of allowing few tourists to enter Bhutan after the administration of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country. Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji informed this during the Question Hour Session of the National Assembly today. The Wamrong Constituency Member of Parliament, Karma Thinley questioned the Foreign Minister on the government’s plans and programmes to address the problems faced by the individuals affected under the tourism sector apart from the 15-month financial support granted by His Majesty The King.
Responding to the query, the foreign minister said the tourism sector is expected to improve with 75 % of the eligible Bhutanese population vaccinated after the second dose. Lyonpo added the administration of the second dose will also provide a suitable time to ease certain restrictions.
“If we can conduct the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, there are high chances of us allowing the entry of few tourists into the country. Largely, we have to put in place good protocols and we will have the opportunity to ease few restrictions. The administration of the second dose will not only stimulate the entry of tourists but also encourage us to carry out other works which will help boost the country’s economy if 75 % of the Bhutanese citizens are vaccinated,” said Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji.
Apart from the financial support granted by His Majesty The King, Lyonpo said the government has initiated Build Bhutan Project besides providing the Cottage and Small Industry loans at lower interest rates.
“Likewise, the Tourism Council of Bhutan, under two phases has about four projects to support the affected individuals. We have kept a few of them engaged by building and diversifying products. For instance, we have been able to employ about 1,500 individuals to build toilets and resting places. By introducing Druk Neykor and Druk Kora in the country, we have promoted local tourism and have engaged about 2,000 people through the programme,” added the Foreign Minister.
The foreign minister said the ministry has conducted numerous training and re-skilling programmes for those affected by the pandemic. The government is also planning to inject more money into the National Resilient Fund to continue providing financial support.
Passang Dorji
