During a meeting of the tourist guides in Thimphu, today, many said the tour operators should provide them with life insurance. They say their profession is challenging, from accompanying tourists to treks to being responsible for their safety.
Today, there are over a 1,000 tour operators in the country. However, only handful of them has insured their tour guides.
Tour guides say the policy makers must make it compulsory for the tour operators to get their tour guides insurance cover.
Recalling the recent incident in Bumthang, where a guide drowned in the Mebartsho while saving a tourist, guides said such incidences might happen in the future as well.
Guides Association of Bhutan’s President, Garab Dorji said the issue was discussed with the tour operators earlier but they were hesitant. “Tour operators said guides do not operate throughout the year.”
The president said the matter will be tabled for discussion soon when the Tourism Council of Bhutan and tour operators congregate for meeting.
