Nearly 80 tours to Bhutan have been cancelled, and over 40 additional bookings postponed, as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts global travel. At today’s Meet the Press session, Namgyal Dorji, the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment, said rising airfare and uncertainty are affecting tourist plans. However, the government is working to ease the impact by extending visa flexibility.
The minister said that under the Prime Minister’s directives, the government is exploring ways to extend flexibility.
“We have a visa framework that allows for flexibility. Trips can be postponed within the 90-day visa validity period. Just recently, our Prime Minister has instructed us to look into extending this flexibility further, and we are working on that. Trips can also be rescheduled up to one year, so there is considerable flexibility.”
The minister said these measures will help the sector recover once the situation stabilises.
The minister also highlighted key lessons from the current crisis, including the importance of market diversification and timely, proactive communication with tourism partners during global disruptions.
The minister added that the government is placing greater focus on strengthening domestic tourism. Efforts are underway to develop more in-country travel options, including pilgrimages, cultural circuits, MICE events, and adventure and sports-based tourism.
“Strengthening this segment can help provide stability and resilience during such external disruptions. Overall, we are monitoring the situation and working collaboratively with all tourism stakeholders to ensure that the sector remains sustainable and continues to achieve its growth objectives.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said Bhutan should also see this as an opportunity.
“In as much as tourists are postponing or even cancelling their visits to Bhutan, there are many, many more, millions of tourists who would be cancelling or postponing their visits to the Middle East, the Gulf countries, and perhaps even to Europe. We need to find out where these cancellations are occurring from.”
The Prime Minister added that the government will work with tour operators and travel agents to identify priority markets and position Bhutan as a viable and attractive alternative destination.
He also called on tourism stakeholders and representatives abroad to help identify countries where marketing efforts can be intensified to capitalise on the opportunities created by the crisis.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Sonam Pem
