Roundup: Rapid rise of regional tourist arrivals raises concern among Bhutan travel agents

With unprecedented growth of regional tourists driving in their private vehicles inside Bhutan, local travel agents have raised concerns and called for immediate measures to manage regional arrivals.

Talking to Xinhua on Friday, some of the local travel agents said their main concern is with regard to regional arrivals in the country driving their private cars and buses, and touring without local guides.

Wangchuk, a travel agent, said that when more regional tourists come driving buses and taxis without using any local tourism services, they not only block roads, but also affect international tourist market and even the economy of the country.

As per tourism council record, as of April this year, the country has received more than 33,000 regional tourists, while international tourist arrivals were recorded only 18,907.

Internet users have questioned the government on social media, calling for immediate measures to control growing regional tourists, especially those driving their vehicles inside. Others have shared their concerns through news media and at local meetings.

The annual tourism monitor report 2015 recorded 62.91 percent or 97,584 of all arrivals in Bhutan being regional tourists, which was a huge rise from 49.21 percent in 2014.

At a meeting with tourism council last week, tourism stakeholders highlighted the need for a policy to govern regional tourists for better management and to offer them a meaningful trip. They said in an absence of a better policy to govern regional tourists, the increasing growth is seen as a threat to the dollar paying tourists.

Kinley, another travel agent, said, "We hope neighboring countries would understand that regional tourists driving their vehicles is a concerning factor for us, and help us in managing it." Endit