9 hrs ago
Bhutan Tightens Tourist Lodging Rules, North Bengal Welcomes Move
Bhutan has made new rules about where tourists can spend the night.
Tourists must use places approved and certified by the Department of Tourism.
This includes hotels, campsites and other outdoor sleeping areas.
Staying in private homes or unauthorized open areas is not allowed.
Property owners can be fined if they host tourists without approval.
Approved accommodations must keep a valid star-rating certificate.
Bhutan says the rules are meant to keep visitors safe and maintain good service standards.
Tourism representatives in North Bengal support the change because they expect it to improve tourists’ experiences.
Bhutan’s Department of Tourism says tourists may stay only at approved and certified accommodations or designated sites.
The rules cover tourist night halts, camping and outdoor stays across Bhutan.
Overnight stays at non-certified premises, private properties or unauthorized open areas are prohibited.
Owners building or operating unapproved tourist accommodations may face fines, while certified properties must maintain valid star-rating certificates.
North Bengal tourism stakeholders welcomed the policy, citing improved visitor safety and service quality.
- Who
- Bhutan’s Department of Tourism issued the notification, and North Bengal tourism stakeholders welcomed it.
- What
- Bhutan restricted tourist overnight stays to Department of Tourism-approved and certified accommodations or designated sites.
- Where
- Across Bhutan, including tourist accommodations, camping areas and outdoor-stay sites.
- When
- The notification was issued on August 26; the year was not specified.
- Why
- The stated aims are to improve visitor safety, promote authentic hospitality and maintain quality standards.
Key facts
- Issuing authority
- Bhutan’s Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment
- Covered stays
- Tourist night halts, camping and outdoor stays
- Permitted locations
- Department-approved and certified accommodations or designated sites
- Prohibited locations
- Non-certified premises, private properties and unauthorized open areas
- Penalties
- Owners may be fined for constructing or operating tourist accommodations without prior approval and required formalities
- Certification requirement
- Approved establishments must hold and timely renew a valid star-rating certificate
- Relevant framework
- The notification was issued in accordance with Bhutan’s Tourism Rules and Regulations of 2024
Quotes
Tanmoy Goswami
General secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality & Tourism Development Network
“It will help in providing safe accommodations to tourists. Also, consistent monitoring by the authorities concerned will ensure that quality services are provided to the tourists.”
telegraphindia.com
Bhutan Department of Tourism
Bhutanese government tourism department issuing the accommodation notification
“all tourist night halts, including camping and outdoor stays, must take place only at Department of Tourism-approved and certified accommodation or designated sites.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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