Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Tourism Is Half A Century Old

Today the 1st of December, 2021 marks the Golden Jubilee Day of the creation of the progenitor of the Regulatory Authority – The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). It was on this day that the Department of Tourism was established.

“Under the Royal Command of His Majesty the King, a new Department viz. Department of Tourism is created under the Ministry of Finance with effect from 1.12.1971."

Order establishing the Department of Tourism

The brusque announcement signed by HRH Ashi S C Wangchuck did not give any details as to what the Department was all about, what were its roles, functions and responsibilities. But the veil began to lift when, on 7th June the following year (1972), the 36th National Assembly adopted a Tourism Act. The resolution was worded thus:

22. Matter relating to Tourism Act

In view of the likelihood that, despite being in its initial stage of development, Bhutan would attract a large number of tourists, the Cabinet had prepared a draft of rules governing tourism in the country. After due consideration of the same, the Assembly accorded its approval.


Father of modern Bhutan

In a Zomdururu at the Dusit D2 yesterday evening to which I was also invited, the happy occasion, which Damcho Rinzin of TCB described as the “Eve of the Golden Jubilee” was celebrated – attended by the incumbent Chair and Members of the TCB Council, and some pioneers and stalwarts of the industry. The Dinning Hall of the D2 would have truly reverberated, had the occasion been attended by the “first timers” of the industry:

1.  Tsogpoen Jigme Tshulthrim – surviving first head of the DoT/BTC – from 1985 to 1991.

2.  Karchung of Lhomen Tours – first trekking guide (1974)

3.  Nawang Dorji of Nawang Builders – first cultural guide (1974)

4.  Karma Sonam – first waiter to serve lunch to the first tourist group – at Zem-La (1974)

5.  Current fort holders of the first private sector operators - BTCL (1991)

The DoT was an organization that was conceptualized by one of human kind’s most brilliant minds – the 3rd King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, towards the twilight years of his reign. However, giving shape and form to a concept requires no less genius. The prodigy successor His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck provided that brilliance – in the form of a business philosophy that came to be known as – no, not the GNH – that came later – a business stratagem that came to be known as the Minimum Daily Tariff.

Tourism was a concept that came into being towards the end one reign – but took shape at the start of another. From its baby steps in 1974, tourism in the country has remained to be guided by the principles behind the inimitable philosophy that is the Minimum Daily Tariff. The unflinching enforcement of this philosophy has meant that the country remained fortified from the ravages of mass tourism.

Even after 50 years, Bhutan can still proudly talk of our pristine environment and cultural purity that other countries have long surrendered, at the alter of greed and self-indulgence.

In recent times there have been attempts at dismantling the time-tested Minimum Daily Tariff that has helped regulate and monitor the tourism industry for half a century. No doubt the government recognizes the ulterior motives behind the efforts of this self-interest group.

Certainly the tourism industry has had a long journey but it is a child that is taking a long time in maturing. It is clear that the girl child that is the tourism industry has not yet graduated from puberty to womanhood. The industry still needs the government to hand-hold it to maturity.

The girl child is not yet ready to be thrown to the wolves.

Our tourism is an industry that can be called a net-gain industry. Here there is no need for the payment of punishing 10% interest on borrowed capital. We get to keep all that we get. Even better, there is no parallel to the tourism industry – in the provision of employment and benefits that encompasses practically every section of the Bhutanese society.

Until the industry matures and is ready to combat the market forces with competence – the government has a responsibility to continue to provide it direction, stewardship and wise counsel.

Without government control and regulation – the bloodhounds will take over.

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