The Bengal Chamber took along a 14 member Travel & Tourism delegation to Bhutan between September 16 – 19, 2015 to Thimpu in Bhutan, as a part of “Indo Bhutan Tourism Initiative” which was organized jointly by Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

For Bhutan the visit was of great importance as it came at a time when a lot of initiatives were being planned in the country and also in the region. Though Bhutan & India enjoy the best of bilateral relations, but as our closest neighbour, the relation between Bhutan and our State Government and the people assumes equal or more importance. While West Bengal is a very important trade hub for Bhutan, it is imperative that we also explore how Bhutan can be as equally important to West Bengal.

Tourism is one of the key areas that readily comes to mind, when we talk of Indo Bhutan relationship. Much has been said about the vast potential of the Indo Bhutan tourism market. We are already seeing this today. Although high-end tourism from India is already occurring, most of it has been from Mumbai. West Bengal would be an even closer source for tourism.

At an interactive session with major Tourism players in Bhutan, The Bengal Chamber’s Tourism Committee, as a part of “Indo Bhutan Tourism Initiative”, proposed for the introduction of e-permits for Indian tourists visiting Bhutan. Making provisions for seeking permits online will remove a major road block for Indian tourists going to some of the more picturesque places in Bhutan, was a view mooted by The Chamber. This proposal was mooted by BCC&I as foreign tourists from other countries do not need separate permits to enter such restricted zones.

Home to some of the most beautiful and exotic locales, Bhutan drew 133,000 visitors from across the globe last year, with about 87000 of them being Indians. Easing out the processes for Indians will further benefit and facilitate Indian tourists going to Bhutan was a view echoed by the Tourism delegation. For a landlocked country like Bhutan, the transport corridor will open connectivity with Bangladesh through India, which can boost trade and commerce. This will also give to the people of Bhutan greater access to healthcare and education opportunities in Bengal and beyond and flourish tourism opportunities.

The Conclave was addressed by Mr Lyonpo Ngeema Sangay Tshempo, Minister for Labour & Human Resources, Government of Bhutan, Mr. Gautam Bambawale, Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Mr. Smarajit Purkayastha – Director, The Bengal Chamber and Mr. Anil Punjabi, Chairman, Travel Agents Federation of India.