The Department of Tourism has introduced temporary measures to address a shortage of tour guides in Phuentshogling, where tourists reportedly faced difficulties continuing their journeys earlier this week. The department says the issue is not a lack of registered guides, but their limited availability for last-minute assignments.
The shortage also reportedly pushed daily guide fees from Nu 3,000 to 7,000.
Dawa Yangchen, Marketing Manager and Media Focal of the Department of Tourism, said the department has shared information on available guides through the Guide Association of Bhutan to facilitate their immediate engagement at the Phuentsholing land terminal.
The department has also adjusted the guide-to-tourist ratio to allow guides to handle more tourists. In addition, it has introduced a Google Form accessible through a QR code, allowing available guides to register directly with the department. The information is then shared with the Tourism Information Officer at the Phuentshogling Terminal.
According to tourism officials in Phuentshogling, around 15 guides have registered with the department since 20th October. The registrations have helped ease the shortage.
The department says advance travel arrangements, including confirmed itineraries, guides, accommodation and transportation, can help prevent similar situations.
It has also encouraged tourists to book through licensed local providers to ensure transparency in costs and avoid being overcharged. Pre-confirmed packages allow tourists to know the costs and services included, including guide bookings, before beginning their journeys.
Dawa Yangchen said the department is also working to improve guide management through a system that will help identify available guides and facilitate their engagement.
The department has already launched the Bhutan Tour Guide Network, where licensed tour guides can register their availability.
The department has also looked into reports that some guides return after crossing the Bumpagang checkpoint, leaving tourists to continue their journeys without a guide before the guides take on new assignments.
According to the department, the Royal Bhutan Police at the Bumpagang Integrated Checkpoint has confirmed that no such cases have been recorded.
Tourists who encounter such incidents have been urged to report them to the Department of Tourism by emailing to hosts@tourism.gov.bt.
Sonam Yuden and Kinley Dem
Edited by Sonam Pem
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