The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will conduct a familiarization tour for the members of the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) to Lhuentse and Aja Ney in Monggar in January next year.
The initiative is aimed at improving and strengthening domestic pilgrimage tours in the country. There are about 9,000 sacred pilgrimage sites in the country.The Prime Minister, at the Meet the Press today, said it will be a pilot project.
The Agriculture and Forests Minister Yeshey Dorji shared that services related to route, dwelling and other basic facilities at Aja Ney are being worked on. The minister also said some private individuals are constructing a temple in the area.
Apart from promoting domestic pilgrimage, the Prime Minister said the government has also asked TCB to explore opportunities to encourage domestic tourism. “Earlier, TCB was working exclusively for the tourists from outside, so we talked with them and decided to see the opportunity to improve our domestic tourism as well,” Lyonchhen said.
For instance, we have the River Guides Association in Panbang and the eco-lodge, which used to be looked after by the RNR sector. It is now being taken care by them with the support from the government.”
The Prime Minister said the government has asked the TCB to render necessary support to the River Guides Association in attracting Bhutanese visitors during winter months.
