Bhutan is not a famous country for tourism. I have written more than one time about the reluctance of Bhutanese government to shine in the tourism sector at the expense of damaging the environment. However, in the recent months, the government is trying to attract more tourists and it is getting good success too. The arrival of tourists in Bhutan increased 48% in 2005 compared to 2004 and this year, Bhutan is hoping to have nearly 15,000 tourists. Bhutan earned $18.5 million from tourism and tourism is gradually becoming an important source of earning foreign exchange for the country. Bhutan has a long border with India and Indian state of Assam has 266 km border with Bhutan. The long running insurgency movement in Assam has become now a headache for Bhutan as members of rebel groups in Assam often cross border and stay in Bhutan.
As a result of this problem, tourists who come to Bhutan are reluctant to visit the areas near to the border of Assam. So, the local economy of eastern region of Bhutan is suffering from it. I really wish that Bhutan can get free from this problem and Bhutan's tourism sector can flourish more and more. If you have enough money, I strongly recommend you to visit Bhutan. It is really a great place to be.
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Bhutan government can take some initiatives to prevent this problem as this sector is going to be a good source of thier foreign exchange. Government has taken a very good decision that will make thier tourism a rich sector.
Thank you for your good article.
Posted by: Biplob Kishore Deb | June 27, 2006 3:02 PM | Permalink to Comment