While Bhutan has created a niche as tourist destination globally, it is yet to encourage local tourism.
Even though Bhutanese have been travelling to every nook and cranny of the country for decades, the travels, most of the time, did not entail leisure.
“Domestic tourism plays a very crucial role in terms of bringing benefits to other society. For example you travel to another region, you buy something, you recharge your mobile, and you sleep and eat…You have to buy the services from that region,” said Tourism Council of Bhutan’s Media Spokesperson, Damcho Rinzin.
He said Bhutanese travelling within Bhutan bring about a positive impact in different communities.
“There are more than 1000 travel agents in the country and each one is focusing on international tourists,” said Himalayan Travel Experts’ Tour Operator, Tenzin.
He said the number of tourists coming to the country gets divided among the travel agents making sustainability difficult.
He said this is where local tourism comes in.
He said local travellers get to experience the cultural and natural richness and develop an appreciation for the country.
Pilgrimage, hot springs, and home stays are expected to attract more local tourists.
“Bhutanese have lots of options, unlike the other international tourists. They can travel by themselves or there are emerging tour operators who are promoting pilgrimage tours and medicinal tours to travel within Bhutan,” Damcho Rinzin.
Tourism Council of Bhutan says they can facilitate the tour operators and improve accessibility.
