Business owners in Bumthang are calling for better infrastructure and more tourism facilities to attract visitors and improve business. They say low tourist numbers and limited attractions are keeping hotels and other businesses underutilised. The concerns were raised during the Business Regulation Reform National Consultation meeting held in Bumthang.
Bumthang is known for its monasteries, sacred sites and scenic valleys, attracting tourists interested in culture, nature and pilgrimage.
The business owners say the district needs more attractions and facilities to encourage tourists to stay longer and visit more often.
According to the Annual Tourism Snapshot 2025, Bhutan welcomed more than 200,000 tourists last year. But business owners say Bumthang receives only a small share of these visitors, and low occupancy continues to affect tourism businesses in the district.
Hoteliers say that even during the peak season, only about 50 per cent of their rooms are occupied, leaving them heavily dependent on the limited income they earn during the busy months.
They are now urging the government to create an environment where more private investment can support new tourism activities
“In Bumthang, there used to be rafting, which was used by officials from the Swiss Office in the past. There was also a balloon that used to fly with the help of gas. Likewise, there is potential for a zipline. If the government is not interested in establishing such facilities, we have heard that even private individuals who are interested are not allowed to obtain permits to start them,” said Pema Khandu, another businessman.
Bumthang Thromde Ngotsab Ugyen Sangye said, “For any licence we want to obtain, we first have to obtain four clearance documents. We face difficulties in doing so. To solve this problem, if there could be one office where we could obtain all the documents, it would make the process easier.”
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment Namgyal Dorji, who chaired the meeting, said the cabinet will discuss the concerns raised here.
“Obtaining several clearances has been minimised since most of the services are available online. If possible, we can get rid of them altogether. Likewise, the other points will also be discussed one by one in the Cabinet meeting.”
Meanwhile, the district administration plans to develop parks and trekking trails to provide more attractions for visitors.
Business owners hope that the concerns raised during the consultation will lead to concrete policy changes and improved facilities, helping Bumthang tap into the growing potential of tourism and other emerging businesses.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
