Every National Assembly session since the advent of Constitutional Monarchy in 2008, one subject that has been discussed with unerring regularity on the floor of Bhutan’s august National Assembly Hall, is the matter relating to promotion of tourism in the East of the country.
But this NA session saw one Member of Parliament – a Cabinet Member, no less – express a view that was in complete deviance to what has been consistently voiced by a string of MPs from the East - that the government needs to do more to promote tourism in the East. The Hon’ble MP under reference was explicit that it made no sense – that people should focus more on each Dzongkhag’s distinctive strong points – that tourism as an economic activity is not, cannot be, a fit for every Dzongkhag in the country.
The MP I am speaking of is His Excellency the Finance Minister Lyopon Lekey Dorji.
Precisely the point I have been making through this very blog!!!! – that it makes better sense to fatten the cow with proven milk giving potential, than to lay bets on bulls that haven’t exhibited any visible attributes of promise.
Looks like only Khengpa’s are capable of thinking straight – or thinking at all.
Jokes aside, I accept that those who are relentless in their push for tourism in the East, they mean well and that they have the best interest of the people at heart. We cannot fault them on that account. However, they do have to bear in mind that good intentions are nothing more than a thin cloak in a thick winter. Understanding ground realities is important. They do have to understand that the road to good intentions is, most often, paved with dead bodies.
In the hope that people have a proper understanding of why the charming East has failed to appeal to tourists, let me present the following realities:
~ According to the latest figures released by the TCB/DoT,
tourists spend no more than an average of 4-5 nights in
Bhutan (2025 figures).
~ Round trip travel time to the east takes 4 days – minimum;
~ Clearly, time seems to be of essence - not money. Meaning
that even if reduced SDF is offered, there may not be any
takers – because of the travel time involved in journeying
to the East;
~ Most importantly, what can the East offer that is
different and distinct from that which the West can offer
- within the same time frame?
To me, it seems like we need to be a bit more creative, rather than constantly harping on the need to reduce the SDF. For instance, if we care, perhaps the thing to do is to think of how to reduce travel time!
Now don’t tell me about Yonphula airport – taking a flight to Yonphula is like the roll of the dice – one could very well end up with a Joker instead of an Ace!
