Changes in Bhutan brought about by the growth of tourism

Change, inevitable in a rapidly changing world, is represented by the powerful force of globalisation. No doubt, changes have been brought about by the growth of tourism in Bhutan.

One of the changes that have been brought about by the growth of tourism in the country is that Bhutan's government has identified more than 100 acres of land for creation of tourism infrastructure such as hotels, spas and wellness centres. All in all, the government has set aside 500 acres with 180 acres in the centre, 120 acres in the south, 110 acres in the west and 60 acres in the east.

Another change is that the cabinet had a new tourism policy issued in the late 2009. The tourism policy is based on McKinsey plan, revolving around the 9 initiatives.

The 9 initiatives include:

1) Destination marketing

This is to develop and promote Bhutan as a brand. During the early quarter of 2010, Bhutan was close to finalising an international advertisement agency to market and brand Bhutan.

2) Aviation

Domestic airports are being developed to add additional tourism circuits.

3) Supply creation

More high quality hotels and tourist infrastructure are built.

4) Price and Channel

The rule of travelling on a pre-planned, guided and prepaid tour is going to be demolished and tariffs are liberalised.  

5) Supply upgradation

The Hotels Association of Bhutan is negotiating with the finance ministry to upgrade hotels to 3 star hotels and mandate tourist stays in them

6) Integrated tourism infrastructures

Infrastructures consist of roads, electricity, spas, cafes, etc.

7) Tourist amenities

These consists of the online credit card system, visas and no road permit restrictions. The online credit card system is expected to function by April 2010. Visas can now be processed online instead of manual processing by Bhutan’s home ministry. Tourists will soon face no road permit restrictions to travel across Bhutan.

8) Sustainable tourism

This is achieved through the policy based on Gross National Happiness to carry out tourism. Environmentally friendly hotels are also mandated.

9) Tourism governance

Autonomous and corporate Tourism Council of Bhutan

However, even without tourism, changes have been brought about. In 1999, television and internet was introduced for the first time. In 2008, Bhutan took a huge step and made a transition from a hundred-year old monarchy to a parliamentary democracy.

In my opinion, I believe that change, whether brought about by tourism or not, does not necessarily mean a negative thing. An example of positivity in change brought about by tourism is that it is a force of peace, such that travelling brings tourists and Bhutanese into contact with each other. An example of positivity in change not brought about by tourism would be about archery, Bhutan’s national sport. Traditionally, Bhutanese use hand-carved bamboo bows. However nowadays, Bhutanese use a state of the art carbonite hoyt brand bow with a complicated looking pulley system that releases the arrows with tremendous speed, allowing the Bhutanese to shoot easily. Although they now use a more modern bow, this has not diluted the rich traditions of Archery.