The government aims to generate about Nu 15bn from the tourism sector within the 13th Five-Year Plan. This was shared by the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment today during the question hour session in the National Assembly. The minister said the government plans to allocate Nu 2.5bn to the tourism sector from the Economic Stimulus Plan.
During the session, Industry, Commerce, and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji said, that considering the crucial role played by the tourism sector in generating revenue and providing employment opportunities, the government is working accordingly.
He shared that this year is significant for the tourism sector in the country, as it marks 50 years of tourism.
The minister was responding to Sergithang-Tsirang Toed’s Member of Parliament, Lhakpa Tshering Tamang’s question regarding the initiatives taken to address the scarcity of tour guides, drivers, and vehicles in the tourism sector.
“In terms of transportation, the current vehicle moratorium won’t apply to the tourism sector. There are exemptions. Similarly, there will be tax concessions when importing vehicles. Starting from tour guides to those working in hotels and air transport, there are special plans to improve human resource capacity.”
During the session, a few other members questioned the worsening state of the tourism sector due to changes in policies. In response, the minister presented to the house that they generated USD 16.2 M from around 65,000 tourists over the last five months.
He shared that despite the tourism sector being the most affected by the pandemic, it is on track to revive and return to its pre-pandemic state due to the change in policies.
“As put forward by the MP of Choekhor-Tang regarding concerns about the transparency of tax sources and allocations, the Ministry of Finance and the former Ministry of Economic Affairs are reviewing the situation to create a guideline. The main aim is to boost the tourism sector so that it benefits the people and the country. Many news reports and articles are suggesting the need to bring back the old policies. For that, we are in discussions and consultations.”
He added that the current policies are more inclusive compared to the previous ones, providing more opportunities for tourists visiting the country, whether in terms of transportation or hotel reservations. At the same time, he said, these policies allow individuals ranging from drivers to hoteliers to be involved.
Responding to Lamgong-Wangchang’s MP Sonam Tashi’s question on whether the Department of Tourism can do away with the tour guide training and readiness assessment for senior guides, the minister said the training and the assessment are necessary to meet the criteria of a guide when renewing their licences.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Kipchu
