To promote balanced tourism in the country, the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) is proposing a flagship programme in five identified dzongkhags in the 12th Five-Year Plan.
TCB is proposing the government to focus more in identified dzongkhags of Dagana, Gasa, Lhuentse, Zhemgang and Samtse. The council is yet to present the proposal to the cabinet.
This was shared at the first national tourism conference held in Thimphu.
The TCB says the first presentation for the proposed flagship programme was made to the Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC).
“The dzongkhags are identified looking at the low arrivals of tourists. The other reason is on the way to these dzongkhags, other dzongkhags will be covered too,” Dorji Dhradrul, the Director General of TCB, said.
He added that under the programme, the other 15 districts will also have specific projects.
Building infrastructures, developing more products and hosting events such as black-necked crane and highland festivals are some of the strategies to promote balanced tourism.
At present due to the lack of infrastructure, the tourists’ arrival to these districts are minimal.
The conference also discussed issues and challenges faced by the tourism sectors and relevant agencies.
The tourism sector with around 27,000 people is one of the highest employers and second highest revenue contributor in the country.
Over 270,000 tourists visited Bhutan last year.
