Targeting the Thai market

Targeting the Thai market

As per the PM’s directions, tour operators are preparing packages for the lean season 

Tourism: Following the prime minister’s instructions, tour operators and hoteliers in the country have begun working on developing packages to attract Thai tourists during the leaner months of June, July, and August this year.

Some tour operators have already set targets and started appointing marketing representatives in Thailand, while hoteliers are working out discounts they could offer besides Thai specific services.

Last month, lyonchhoen instructed the tour operators to develop packages to attract Thai to commemorate Bhutan’s 25 years of diplomatic relation with Thailand.  The initiative was also expected to help promote tourism during lean seasons and make Bhutan an all year round tourist destination.

The target is to bring in 3,000 to 4,000 Thai tourists in June, July and August this year.  The least visited months of June, July and August in 2012 saw 6,580 tourists, while 3,229 visited Bhutan in January and February.

Tour operators said, although they have just about three months to market, the proximity with Thailand didn’t require much preparation.

“We have to try our best to bring in more Thai tourists,” a tour operator said. “It means competition, unlike the peak season, when we have the protective tariff where our cut is already included.”

Being a new initiative, another tour operator said they have to bring down their profit margins. “The amount of profit will depend on our bargaining power with hotels, guides and transporters.”

But despite the short notice, many tour operators appreciated the initiative, as it would help everyone in tourism to upgrade their services.

For instance, it would help hotels recruit permanent staff even during lean seasons.

“We’re hoping the initiative would help take the weight off the peak season, during which we lack capacity,” said another tour operator, whose agency is targeting 600 Thai tourists.

Hoteliers are working out room charges, depending on the number of tourists tour operators bring in.  All tourists are required to be provided accommodation in hotels rated three-stars and above.

A three star hotel in Thimphu charges Nu 3,000 to 4,000 a night, depending on the facilities.

One of the hoteliers in Thimphu said he would be able to give up to 30 percent discounts during the lean months for Thai tourists. “It’s a good initiative and our business depends on how many tourists we’re able to attract,” he said, adding they were hopeful that the initiative works, so that there is something to look forward to during leaner months.

An official from Zhiwaling hotel said they were preparing for Thai tourists with certain products. “We’re planning to hire a Thai chef, besides providing a lean season discount of about 25 percent,” the official said.

There are 75 tourist standard hotels in the country categorised three-star and above.  Paro has the highest number of hotels, resorts and guesthouse at 37, followed by Thimphu and Bumthang with 27 and 23 each.  Another 63 are currently under construction, records with TCB show.

The association of Bhutanese tour operators’ president, Karma Lotey, said, more than 30 tour operators have signed up with the tourism council to attend a travel fair in Bangkok.

The national airlines, Drukair, is also exploring off-season discounts of more than 30 percent.

Drukair’s chief executive officer, Tandin Jamso, said they would provide a discount of more than 30 percent from June to August to attract Thai tourists. “In collaboration with local tour operators, packages are also being developed.”

Today, the airfare for foreigners for the Bangkok-Paro sector, inclusive of taxes, is about USD 830 for a round trip, and about USD 420 for a one-way ticket.

From 2,235 Thai tourists in 2011, the country recorded 3,573 Thai tourists in 2012, making Thailand the fourth top source market.  Last year, there was a slight drop with 3494 visitors.

Source: Kuensel

By Kinga Dema

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Culture Show Performed by Chinese in Bhutan

Culture Show

Cultural show: Chinese artists perform at the Royal Institute of Management auditorium yesterday. The cultural troupe from the People’s Republic of China was led by China International Culture Association Vice President Dong Jungxin and officials from cultural ministry of Guangxi province and the Embassy of China, India.

Source: Kuensel

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Climate In Bhutan

Bhutan's climate varies significantly with altitude and between specific locations. There are three broad climatic zones: subtropical in the south, temperate in the broad central regions and alpine in the north. Rain is concentrated in the monsoon season from June to September.
Bhutan has four distinct seasons. Each has its advantages and disadvantages for the visitor. Notice should be taken of the unpredictable weather patterns before making decisions when to visit. Remember even predictable weather can vary dramatically in different areas and in 24-hours periods.
Spring is arguably the most beautiful time of the year in the kingdom. The fierce cold that is characteristic of the winter months tends to subside towards the end of February (around Bhutanese New Year, Losar). Rhododendrons begin to bloom, first in the warmer east .At the height of spring, the end of March; the whole kingdom comes to life with spectacular flaming red, pink and white of the rhododendron blossom.
The monsoon brings rain from the Bay of Bengal in the month of June, mostly affecting the south and centrals regions. The north is inhabited in the summer months when the nomads return to the higher plains to tend to there Yaks.
End of the monsoon, is also a popular time to visit, marking the ending of summer. Days are filled with glorious cobalt skies.
The autumn months of September to November bring shorter days and cooler evenings. The days remain lovely with crisp clear skies. Views over the high Himalayas are usually only possible from September to March.
Come the end of November and the weather takes on its winter coat. Days remain crisp and nights turn cold. The southern regions, being much lower have a more temperate climate and considerably warmer winters.
Clear skies in the winter months bring with them cold weather but it’s also the best time of the year to view the snow covered peaks of the high Himalayas.

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Driving Distance

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Custom And Traiff

Customs

Customs officials are very courteous and rarely open a tourist's baggage. On arrival you complete a customs declaration form. The main purpose is to ensure that anything brought into the country is re-exported. It is important that this form is produced on departure. The export of antiques and wildlife products is strictly prohibited.

Taxes & Permits

You can expect to pay no other taxes during your stay. All areas outside Thimphu and Paro valleys require travel permits. It is your tour operator's responsibility to make the necessary arrangements. Tourist entrance to most dzong courtyards is allowed however the inner temples are generally closed to tourists.

Getting Around the Country

The only ways to travel within Bhutan are by road or on foot. There is a basic road network that loosely connects the country. Because of the mountainous terrain, these roads are single-lane and very winding, and travel speeds are relatively slow. Your tour operator is responsible for arranging all necessary vehicles. Most part of the country can only be accessed on foot. There is a widespread system of trails, most of which are well used and maintained. The walking in Bhutan 's mountainous landscape is generally quite strenuous, particularly when crossing the numerous passes that divide the country from east to west.
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Tour Price
The daily tariff, set at US $ 200 per night, is all-inclusive. It is the government’s way of sustaining tourism without affecting its fragile cultural heritage. The philosophy has always been, “High Value, Low Volume” tourism.  Backpack travelers are not encouraged  in Bhutan. Thirty five percent of the tariff goes to the government. It helps finance free medical care and education for all Bhutanese.All vistors in a waytherefore make valuable contribution to welfare system of the country.

Daily Tariff

The minimum tariff for tourist visiting in a group of 3 persons or more is as follows:
Daily Tariff: US$ 200 per person per night halt
This includes:
• Service of Bhutanese Tour Guide
• All accommodations based on twin room sharing basis
• All meals
• All transportation during the tour
* The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan.
* The rates shall apply uniformly irrespective of locations and the type of accommodation provided.
The daily tariff does not include
• Visa fee of US$ 20.00
• Airfare
• Laundry, drinks and beverages
• US$ 10 for Tourism Development Fund
• Travel insurance
• Sleeping bags for trekkers and
• Other personal expenses.

Surcharges
For independent travelers daily surcharges in additional to minimum price apply as follows:
Single individual US$ 40 per night
Group of 2 persons US$ 30 per person per night

Cancellations
Tour Packages booked and subsequently canceled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
• within 30 days of start of programme ~ no charges
• within 21 days ~ 10% of rate
• within 14 days ~ 15% of rate
• within 7 days ~ 30% of rate
• less than 7 days or without notice ~ 50% of rate
• after arrival in Bhutan ~ 100%

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Tourist Visa

All tourists visiting Bhutan are required to travel through an authorized tour operator on a pre-planned, pre-paid, guided package tour. Independent travel is not permitted. The government stipulates a high minimum all-inclusive entry fee per day. The tour operator is responsible for all logistical arrangements during your stay in Bhutan.

VisaAll visas must be processed prior to entering the country. The necessary formalities are taken care of by your tour operator. It is advisable to make an application between 3 and 6 weeks prior to the intended arrival date, depending on the season. Visas are now granted for the applied period (be it for three weeks or more) and not just the two weeks as previously. The stated period will be stamped into the passport and no extension will be necessary after two weeks. If the clients wish to extend their stay in Bhutan, once they are in country-then we will apply for the extention and once approved US$ 20 will be collected. Upon arrival, you will need three passport-sized photographs and US$20 in cash.

Arriving/Departing by Air:
The national air carrier, Druk Air, operates several flights per week from Bangkok,Delhi and Kolkatta and Kathmandu to paro that offers spectacular views of the highest mountains in the world. Paro International Airport is about an hour drive from the capital city, Thimphu. For Flight schedules and other necessary information e-mail us at info@bhutancrowntour.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it bhutancrownadventures@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Arriving/Departing by LandThe only land entry point for tourists is through Phuentsholing, on the southwestern border with India . If special arrangements are made it may be possible to enter and exit via Samdrup Jongkhar in the east.

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When To Visit Bhutan

Bhutan has a season for everyone. The Kngdomdom stretches across all climatic Zone; from the sub-tropical jungles in the south, to the moderate heights of 2000-2500 meters in the centre and up to the alpine world of towering Himalayas and glaciers of the east. WINTER: The days are full of sunshine while evening can turn chilly. The winter landscapes lay bare the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping valleys. Soft tufts of cloud drape lazily over mountains tops as if waiting for new life to blow its across the landscape. SPRING: Spring is a botanist’s delight as rhododendrons, wild azaleas, and mass of wildflowers including the edelweiss cover the meadows like carpet. Pear and apple blooms add a dainty touch to the valleys as their pink and white blooms add a sense of new wonder to the land that is about to burst with abundant growth again. SUMMER: Summer is an abundant time f of the year as flower are in bloom and valleys are covered in green, weeping willows sweep the banks of many of the rivers and the pine cone glisten in the Sun, so full with raisin they are ready to plummet to the ground. AUTUMN: Autumn is casts a bright golden glow on the vast landscape and is one of the more crowded the time of the year for tourism to Bhutan. The rice fields ripen to golden brown under crisp blue skies. The merry pink and white of cosmos flowers dots the countryside.

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