Tourism in the Spotlight
In its recently released economic report, the World Bank (WB) estimates Bhutan’s economic growth at four percent for fiscal year 2023-24. This is higher than its previous (April) forecast of 3.1 percent. The growth is expected to slow to 4 percent in the next fiscal year 2023-24 but stronger than earlier projections partly because of a major salary increase for government workers, according to WB. The report added that the recovery in tourism, which was delayed because of an increase in tourism levy in September 2022, has been partially relaxed.
Bhutan is indeed set to fuel its sacred religious sites as tourist spots and attract business-related meetings in Phuentshogling. In order to capitalize on this untapped potential, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), together with other stakeholders, is also pursuing methods to enhance tourism in the region. A Department of Tourism (DoT) official said that the department is very confident that by 2025, there will be more than 137,000 visitors arriving in the country.
Recently, talking to Bhutan Live, the Regional Secretary of BCCI in Phuentshogling, Kelzang, said, "We can promote business tourism in Phuentshogling. This involves meetings and seminars. I think it is time to attract business people from the neighboring country for business-related meetings in Phuentshogling. Another thing is we have many sacred religious sites in the district that can be explored to attract tourists. We can also look at hosting marriage parties for our neighbors.” This sure sounds like a lot of opportunities in the segment.