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Cultural tourists dominate tourism industry |
September 29: A look at data released by the department of tourism shows that tourism in Bhutan continues to be heavily concentrated on what industry insiders call cultural tourism.
The data revealed that in every 100 visitor to the kingdom in 2006, more than 85 came as cultural tourists. Only 14 out of hundred were trekking focused tourists.
Product diversification would therefore not only attract more tourists but also lift some of the pressure on the cultural circuit. Towards this, the department of tourism has been looking at community based tourism.
On Thursday which was world tourism day the department of Tourism launched a report on the Nubji-Korphu Trek, a pilot community based nature tourism project. The Nubji-Korphu Trek is a winter based low altitude trekking route. The pilot project involves six communities located inside the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park in Trongsa.
The Trek will take six days in altitudes ranging from 1000 to 1500 meters. The tourism officials say the trail has been developed to allow villagers to gain from the tourism. Community camping sites, cultural programme and provision of meals are some of the avenues to generate income.
The project will also provide employment opportunities to the men and women of the villages. Working as porters, cooks and guides, men and women of the villages can also find markets for their produce ranging from vegetables to handicrafts. A waste management system has also been put in place.
The Nubji-Korphu trail was officially opened last November. The peak season is in during winter and early spring. With projects like Nubji-Korphu Trek, the department of tourism hopes to tackle the problem of seasnality and geographic concentration of tourism in the country.
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