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About TCB


Background

The tourism industry in Bhutan is relatively young having been initiated only in 1974 at the time of the coronation of the fourth King. The industry totally operated by the government initially, in response to changing operational requirements was first corporatized in 1983 and finally with the privatisation initiative of the government, privatised towards the end of 1991. The government took up the facilitating and regulatory role with the establishment of the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB). The TAB was restructured and renamed the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. In 2008, realizing the importance of a multi-sectoral approach towards tourism development, the Department of Tourism was granted autonomy under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister and renamed the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Tourism Policy

Bhutan’s tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys an image of authenticity, remoteness and well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment. Today it is a vibrant business with nearly 400 private operators at the helm of affairs.

The Royal Government of Bhutan adheres strongly to a policy of high value, low impact/volume tourism which serves the purpose of creating an image of exclusivity and high- yield for Bhutan.

Fostering a vibrant industry as a positive force in the conservation of environment, promotion of cultural heritage, safeguarding sovereign status of the Nation for significantly contributing to Gross National Happiness is our vision.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is founded on the principle of sustainability, meaning that tourism must be environmentally and ecologically friendly, socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. The number of tourists visiting Bhutan is managed according to our absorptive capacity to ensure promotion of our natural and cultural heritage through high value tourism.

The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help in promoting understanding among people and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. Its tremendous potential as a truly indigenous industry and the clear comparative advantages Bhutan enjoy make for a compelling logic to promote Bhutan as a high-end tourism destination in a manner which accords with the premises of Gross National Happiness.

Role of the Tourism Council of Bhutan

The Tourism Council of Bhutan is mandated with the following functions and responsibilities:

i) Tourism Planning & Policy: Formulate, implement and update a national tourism policy and strategy in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

ii) Regulation and Monitoring: Develop and implement relevant tourism guidelines and regulatory measures towards sustainable utilization of natural and cultural resources and ensure compliance.

iii) Facilitation and Co-ordination:

  • Establish a safe, secure and healthy environment for visitors;
  • Promote and facilitate private sector investment in the tourism industry;
  • Promote tourism as an important national priority and mobilize adequate resources for its development;
  • Co-ordinate tourism related efforts among all stakeholders in the industry;
  • Facilitate daily operational procedures; and
  • Facilitate and assist in improving visitor relations and experience.

iv) Marketing and Promotion: Actively carry out/facilitate promotion & marketing of the country as a tourism destination through tourism fairs, exploring potential new markets and promotional literature.

iv) Development of Tourism Products and Services: diversify and develop new tourism products to create a balanced and sustainable tourism most compatible with the environment and society.

v) Human Resource Development: Facilitate manpower and skills requirements of the tourism sector through training and advancement opportunities.

Tourism being a multidisciplinary sector is often dependent on the initiatives of other sectors for its development. The erstwhile Department of Tourism was instrumental in the formation of the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) as a bridge between the private sector and the government in making a concerted effort.  The Tourism Development Committee (TDC) was established with representatives from all relevant sectors to providing sound and comprehensive functional guidelines and approaches such issues. TCB strives to bring such problems to the notice of the TDC to ensure that tourism development can take place in a properly coordinated manner with active co-operation of all the agencies involved. A Tourism Development Fund has also been created since 1999 with contribution by tour operators of US$ 10 for every tourist they bring in. The Tourism Development Committee acts as the sanctioning authority for justifiable use of this Fund for all the approved plans and programmes.

Organogram

The Tourism Council of Bhutan has three main divisions and various sections to carry out the functions and responsibilities given above:

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