TCBS considering taking over licensing of travel agencies

Source: Kuensel.

           Feb 23rd 2013

TCBS considering taking over licensing of travel agencies

The Tourism Council of Bhutan Secretariat (TCBS), which issues licenses for tourist hotels and guides, is considering taking over licensing of local travel agencies from the regional trade and industry office (RTIO).

This is mainly to closely monitor tour operators. “The tourism industry being service oriented, is a fragile industry,” TCBS’s officiating joint director Thuji N Dorji said. “People who don’t land up anywhere land up as tour operators.”

As of January 31, more than 350 tour operators had not renewed their licenses records with RTIO show. The RTIO had issued licenses to 1,068 tour operators but only 961 of the total are registered with the secretariat.

To avail a travel agency license, a person first submits an application to the secretariat with the desired company name. The secretariat issues a recommendation letter or clearance if the name is available. The letter is then taken to the RTIO to process the license.

Once the tour operator gets his license, he has to open a bank account and register with TCBS to set up an account for the online visa application.

RTIO officials said they imposed a penalty of Nu 20 a day and the license gets cancelled if it’s still not renewed after six months. After cancellation, the tour operators have to reapply.

As of January 31, TCBS had issued 1063 recommendation letters for setting up of travel agencies.

Tourism officials said while RTIO renewed the licenses, it was the department of revenue and customs who were supposed to monitor those operating without renewing their licenses.

“Everybody’s assuming that the other is doing the monitoring,” Thuji N Dorji said. “But anyone who operates without renewing their license is illegal.”

While no discussions on the travel agency licensing has taken place regional trade officials said it was good if TCBS does it. TCBS officials said it would help them closely monitor tour operators if the secretariat issues licenses.

Meanwhile, the secretariat is closely monitoring tour operators who have been operating without a proper office set up.

Last year, the secretariat inspected 441offices of which 105 were found attached with residence but with proper demarcation while five were found without proper demarcation.

Tourism officials said offices without proper demarcation were set up in altars and living rooms. “Such tour operators were asked to set up proper offices and the inspection is being continued,” the secretariat’s media spokesperson said.

Another 11 tour operators had sought time extension for setting up of proper offices. “TCBS proposed visa suspension and cancellation of licenses in case of non-compliance to repeated reminders for travel agents who do not cooperate,” the media spokesperson said.

Kinga Dema

Read More

Bhutan Festival Dates 2013

SL#	FESTIVAL	PLACE	DATES
1	PUNAKHA DRUBCHHEN	Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA	15th – 19th February
2	PUNAKHA TSHECHU	Punakha Dzong, PUNAKHA	20th – 22nd February
3	CHHORTEN KORA	Chorten Kora, TRASHI YANGTSE	25th February & 11th March
4	GOMPHUKORA	Gom Kora Lhakhang, TRASHIGANG	20th – 22nd March
5	PARO TSHECHU	Rinpung Dzong, PARO	23rd – 27th March
6	CHHUKHA TSHECHU	Chhukha Dzong, CHHUKHA	25th – 27th March
7	URA YAKCHOE	Ura Lhakhang, BUMTHANG	21st – 25th April
8	NIMALUNG TSHECHU	Nimalung Dratshang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	16th – 18th June
9	KURJEY TSHECHU	Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	18th June
10	THIMPHU DRUBCHEN	Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU	9th – 13th September
11	WANGDUE TSHECHU	Wangdi Dzong, WANGDUEPHODRANG	12th – 14th September
12	TAMSHING PHALA CHHOEPA	Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	13th – 15th September
13	THIMPHU TSHECHU	Tashichho Dzong, THIMPHU	14th – 16th September
14	THANGBI MANI	Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, BUMTHANG	18th – 20th September
15	JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP	Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	18th – 22nd October
16	PRAKHAR DUCHHOED	Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, BUMTHANG	19th – 21st October
17	CRANE FESTIVAL	Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, WANGDUEPHODRANG	11th November
18	MONGAR TSHECHU	Mongar Dzong, MONGAR	9th – 12th November
19	PEMAGATSHEL TSHECHU	Pemagatshel Dzong, PEMAGATSHEL	9th – 12th November
20	TRASHIGANG TSHECHU	Trashigang Dzong, TRSASHIGANG	10th – 13th November
21	NALAKHAR TSHECHU	Nga Lhakhang, Choekhor, BUMTHANG	17th – 19th November
22	TRONGSA TSHECHU	Trongsa Dzong, TRONGSA	9th – 11th January 2014
23	LHUENTSE TSHECHU	Lhuentse Dzong, LHUENTSE	9th – 11th January 2014

\

Read More

Bhutan Makes Top Three in Tourist Destinations

Really not a bad start to the year for the country and especially the tourism sector, given that Bhutan has only been selected as one of the three finalists in the “Destination Stewardship.”
The Destination Stewardship Award goes to a destination which successfully demonstrates a program of sustainable tourism, while incorporating social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits.
The award is categorized for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards and it is hosted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
This year’s awards panel received 133 applications from more than 46 countries on six continents, with Bhutan shortlisted to top three of this pool.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has already started to come up with new activities to be warm and hospitable hosts to the tourists.
But before that, said the Joint Director of Marketing and Promotion Department, TCB Chhimmy Pem, “couple of challenges needs to be addressed”.
She said the regional spread of tourist sites and introduction of more products are the main challenges for the TCB. Therefore from 2013, TCB have already done a thorough research and a proper study to have regional balance, in consultant with the Dzongkhag Administration.
“At the moment the tourist site is mostly concentrated in the western regions and in eastern regions we have limited hotels,” she added.
The TCB has plans to encourage more home-stays in the rural regions and some of the rural houses in Trashiyangtse have already been selected as venues for the tourists. Henceforth, tour operators and tourist should not face problems of not having proper hotels or lodging facilities.
Phobjikha the best roosting place for the Black-necked Cranes have identified 20 houses as home stay locations for tourists.
“It will be started by this year as villagers are being trained on hospitality in order to host the guests positively,” said Gewog Gup Jamtsho.
Joint Director Chhimmy Pem said “Butterfly tour in east and Community Based tourism is being planned.”
She added that Merak and Sakteng in Trashigang and Nabji-Korphu in Trongsa are some of the sites selected for community-based tourism. This is mainly to have regionally balanced visits for tourists.
“Tourism is not a substitute for the livelihood but it’s a supplement for people’s livelihood,” she stressed.
Tourism Officer Phuntsho Gyeltshen said the TCB had worked to come-up with new trekking routes. The study is meant to introduce old trade routes as trekking routes for tourists.
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar and Bumthang to Zhemgang are some of the routes selected for trekking routes.
Feasibility studies in consultation with respective dzongkhag administrations and local leaders were undertaken to identify the routes. “We have asked them to come up with their prioritized sites too,” said Phuntsho Gyeltshen.
A substantial increase in terms of employment opportunities is a real possibility since Bhutan is listed as one of the top tourist destinations for 2013 in popular magazines such as Travelers Magazines of National Geographic, New York Times travel magazines and Forbes magazine.
The officiating Director of corporate performance Department under TCB, Kinley Wangdi said as there is more number of tourist visits, the services should be good and consequently the employment opportunities will never decrease.
In 2011 there were 23,095 employment opportunities under the tourism industry and in 2012 it increased to 25,987.
“We cannot have an immediate benefit but within these 5 years we will have a good development from the tourism industry,” he added. The TCB expects more tour operators from Trashigang, Gelephu and other southern regions.
In 2011, the total tourist visitors were 100,833 and in 2012 it increased to 105,414. And it’s obvious that this year tourist visitors will be more than that.
The TCB to this end has decentralized the tourism development in Zhemgang and Haa regions. It has even come up with a circuit approach whereby 6 eastern dzongkhags are merged into two circuits with a specific theme. Similar approach has been taken with other three regions also.
“For the southern regions TCB will mainly focus on Manas as eco-tourism and community based tourism,” said Kinley Wangdi.
Community-based tourism will mainly promote culture, local festivals and natural tourism. Similarly other regions are also chosen with a specific theme and would promote tourism in a balanced manner.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution from tourism sector in 2011 was US$ 152mn and 89% of tourists were satisfied with their visit to Bhutan.

By Thinley Wangmo | 25 January 2013 in The Bhutanese

Read More

FAQs By Tourist Visiting Bhutan

1. Do I need a visa for Bhutan and how to obtain it?

Except travellers from India, Bangladesh, Maldives and all visitors to Bhutan require visa. Visas are issued only when a confirmed booking through a Bhutanese operator like (Bhutan Landlocked Adventures) is made. Air tickets to Bhutan can only be issued once the visa is confirmed. Your visa will be processed by the travel agent that you choose to travel with. A Bhutanese visa is issued only by the Department of Immigration after receiving the full tour payment in the account of Tourism Council of Bhutan, Thimphu. Passport: You are required to have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of your departure.

2. Where do I enter Bhutan?

Druk Air, the national carrier is the only airline that operates flights into Paro international airport. Druk Air operates a fleet of two Airbus 119 planes and flies to Kathmandu (Nepal); Delhi, Calcutta, Bagdora (West Bengal), Guwahati (Assam) India; Dhaka, Bengal Dash Bangkok (Thailand)and Singapore. Visitors can also enter or exit Bhutan by road through the neighboring Indian states of Assam and West Bengal in south. You can enter or exit through road from Phuntsholing, a border town to India in the south- western part of the country which is about seven hour drive from Paro or Thimphu. The nearest airport from Phuntsholing is Bagdogra in India at the base of the foothills of Darjeeling and Sikkim between which you can drive overland taking about 05 hours approximately. The Eastern Bhutan which is not that explored till now could be entered by road through south- eastern town of Samdrupjongkhar which is about an hour drive from Guwahati Airport in Assam. There are so many places of historical importance in east and not to forget its rich flora and fauna.

3. How can I purchase Druk Air tickets?

We will purchase the E- tickets and forward them to your email address. You can also buy your drukair ticket online from Druk-air : website www.drukair.com.bt but there won't be discount on the ticket.

4.I want to travel, but none of the dates/trips you run coincide with my holiday dates.

Don’t despair! We offer a tailor-make service for all of the destinations featured on our website - and a few more besides. Alternatively, if you can get your own group together (3+ persons) then it will be less expensive for you. Otherwise we have Single supplementary charges applicable for sin. We are happy to lay on a private trip for you, either on one of our existing itineraries or if you prefer, we can help you devise your own.

5. What kind of season do you have in Bhutan?

Spring is a botanist delight as rhododendrons, wild azaleas, and masses of wildflowers including the edelweiss cover the meadows like carpet. Pear and apple blossoms 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 is an abundant time of the year as flowers are in bloom and the valleys are covered in green, weeping willows sweep the banks of many of the rivers and the pine cones glisten in sun, so full with resin they are ready to plummet to the ground. Autumn casts a bright golden glow on the vast landscape and is one of the more crowded times of the year for tourism to Bhutan. In fall, rice fields ripen to a golden brown under crisp blue skies. The merry pink and white of cosmos flowers dot the countryside. Winter has its moments. The days are full of sunshine while evenings can turn chilly. The winter landscape lays bare the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping valleys. Soft tufts of cloud drape lazily over mountain tops as if waiting for new life to blow it across the landscape.

6. Who is Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

Bhutan Landlocked Adventures is a Government Licensed Tour Operator who organizes a wide range of tours, Cultural, Textile, Festival, Flora & Fauna, Bird watching, Religious, Photography, Hiking, Trekking, Honeymoon vacations and other adventures.

7. Is Bhutan Landlocked Adventures, a secure site?

Yes, it is licensed by the Royal Government of Bhutan with the consultation of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and is a member of the Association of Bhutan Tour Operators (ABTO).(Click on the home page logo of Government)

8. Why should I travel with Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

The billion dollar question… Whilst there is plenty of general competition, we feel that Bhutan Locked Adventures is truly unique in the Bhutanese travel market and the high percentage of clients who travel with us again and again isn’t down to chance. Bhutan Landlocked Adventures is a company that has been set up by travellers for travellers and the company ethos is to help travellers souls get to incredible places that would otherwise remain inaccessible. Our office is manned by experienced tour leaders and it is their knowledge and passion (along with that of our experienced guides) that is evident in all aspects of the trips, from planning through to implementation. In short, we run the kind of trips that we like to do! By keeping the group sizes small we can allow for a greater degree of flexibility and cater to individual needs and this unobtrusive ‘low impact’ tourism gives travellers a chance to get off the beaten track without damaging the places they visit. In addition, a percentage of the trip profits are used to fund various charities for monks & Nuns in the country – travellers and locals alike – benefit from the experience.

9. How much will my package cost?

The policy of value tourism is best supported by a system of a daily minimum price of US $ 250 per person per night for visits to Bhutan. The price also in a way limits the volume of visitors allowing exclusivity and care.

Do you have extra charges for 1 or 2 people?

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to surcharge, over and above the minimum daily rates applicable, as follows: Single individual : US$ 40 per night Group of 2 persons : US$ 30 per person per night Single Room Supplementary : US$ 25 per night.

10. Do you offer discounts for children & students?

We offer 50% discount for children from ages 6 to 12 accompanied by parents/guardians and 25% discount for students below 25 years of age with proper ID.

11. What is included in my trip package?

The fee in fact covers a package that include all internal taxes and charges including royalty, accommodation, all meals, services of licensed guides, internal transport and camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours.

12. How do I contact Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

Email or fax us to discuss your travel plans with one of our specialists, be it to create your Tailor Made tour or to find out further information on one of our Inspirational Journeys. Email: bhutancrownadventures@gmail.com or call us at +975 17606090

13. Tell me more about the tour & trek itinerary?

The entire itinerary is not fixed. It depends on one’s interest, whether cultural, festivals, trekking or a combination.

14. How do I pay for bookings with Bhutan Landlocked Adventures?

All the tour payments must be made in advance. Payment should be deposited through the Bhutan National Bank account abroad, payable in favour of the travel Agent in Bhutan whose names and addresses will be provided by us after the confirmation of your trip.

15. When will I get my trip confirmation?

Within 8 hours of your booking unless it is Saturday or Sunday or a government holiday in Bhutan, as they are closed on those days.

17. What if I need to cancel my trip at the last moment?

The tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled are subjected to cancellation charges as follows: * Season - Full refund will be made for the tour cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival date (December, January, February, June, July and till Mid-August) * Peak Season - Full refund will be made for the tour cancelled 60 days or more prior to arrival date (March, April, May, Mid-August, September, October and November) * 30% penalty on the total tour cost for the tour cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival date. This is because by this time hotels would be already booked and company is subject to cancellation charges for rooms cancelled in less than 30 days. * Duration lost or trip shortened due to unforeseen reasons after arrival in Bhutan, no refund will be made – because we will already have had paid for the hotels and other logistics.

Is it Secure to send payment before the trip?

It is very safe, the Tourism council of Bhutan will continue to hold the money you have sent for your tour until your trip has taken place. It will not be released to Bhutan Landlocked Adventures until you have left the country on your return flight. This provides you with the security of knowing that your money is safe until your holiday takes place. If for any reason the trip doesn't go ahead then the government will not give your money to Bhutan Landlocked Adventures  but will return it to you (subject to any cancellation charges which apply if you have cancelled the trip). So in the unlikely event that we do not run your trip for you, you would not be out of pocket.

Read More

Tourists Find Food in Bhutan Monotonous

Culinary tourism has always played a pivotal role in Italy and France, among other countries in the world. Over the years, food tourism elsewhere has gone on to become a vital component of the tourism experience.

But, it is just the opposite in Bhutan.

Despite, the New York Times listing Bhutan at number five of the top places to visit this year, repetitive and bland food, could prove to be a possible setback for an otherwise booming tourism sector in the country.

According to the Bhutan Tourism Monitor report, there are increasing number of food related complaints by the visitors.

The report also states that, buffet system by many of the local hotels accommodating tourists, is one of the reasons why tourists find food in the country monotonous.

The Chairperson of Guide Association of Bhutan, Garab Dorji, said food is a concern. He said every time they take their guests to a restaurant, the menu is the same. “It is either rice, chicken, or seasonal vegetable.”

Luxury hotels like Amankora, having known the importance of gastronomy and tourism, gives food a top priority by hiring professional chefs.

Amankora’s Chef, Matthew Schaefer, said they have five hotels in the country and each hotel has expat chefs. “…If I were a Bhutanese restaurateur and I wanted to meet the next level, I would hire a Bhutanese chef from Aman or from Taj or any good hotels in the country.”

In order to improve quality of tourism services, especially on food, the tour operators were to be guided by the 1999 Rules and Regulations. The rules talk about ‘Minimum Meal Entitlement’. The minimum meal entitlement lists out a variety of food items for each meals. But the rule was hardly implemented. After that, the Tourism Council of Bhutan issued a notification to the restaurants to strictly offer A La Carte Services- which means a separate price for each item on the menu – instead of buffets.

Source: BBS Jan 14 2013

Read More

Punakha Festival

Booking open for Punakha Festival tour, please For inquires and reservations mail us at: bhutancrownadventures@gmail.com

PUNAKHA DRUBCHHEN & PUNAKHA TSHECHU 15/2/2013-27/2/2013

Source: Tourism Council Of Bhutan
Punakha is located in the western part of Bhutan and it is the winter home of Chief Abbot of Bhutan, the Je Khenpo. Punakha played great importance in the history of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is known as the unifier of Bhutan as a nation state and he was the one who gave Bhutan and its people the cultural identity that identified Bhutan from the rest of the world.

In 17th century Bhutan was invaded several times by the Tibetan force to seize a very precious relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani during which Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal defeated the Tibetan army and to commemorate the victory he introduced the Punakha Drubchen. Since then Punakha Drubchen also known as Puna Drubchen became the annual festival of Punakha district. In addition to Punakha Drubchen in 2005 another festival known as Punakha Tshechu was introduced by the 70th Je Khenpo Trulku Jigme Choedra and the then Home Minister His Excellency Lyonpo Jigme Yoedzer Thinley on the request made by Punakha District Administration and people for upholding the Buddhist teachings and keeping alive the noble deeds of Zhabdrung Rimpochhe.



Punakha Drubchen is a unique festival due to a dramatic recreation of the scene from the 17th century battle with Tibetan army. The ‘pazaps’ or local militia men, dressed in battle gear showcase a battle scene of this distant past recalling the days when in the absence of a standing army, men from the eight Tshogchens or great village blocks of Thimpu came forward and managed to expel the Tibetan forces out of the country ushering in a new-found internal peace and stability.



Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu not only play an important role in preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural and tradition but it also is also an event where devout Buddhists has a place and time for prayer and pilgrimage. These festivals also reflect the richness of everything that is Bhutanese and are very special in the eyes and hearts of tourists who visit Bhutan.

Read More