The Minister for Industry, Commerce and Employment presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the nine recommendations submitted by the Economic and Finance Committee during the previous session on the Review Report of the Tourism Policy. The ATR detailed the Ministry’s follow-up actions across areas including legislative reforms, Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) policy, governance and institutional arrangements, operational systems, and overall tourism sector development. The Ministry informed the House that existing policy instruments, including the Tourism Policy of the Kingdom of Bhutan 2021 and the Bhutan Integrated Tourism Master Plan 2025–2034, continue to guide sector development, while ongoing reviews are being carried out on the SDF rate and related proposals in line with Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism strategy. The ATR also highlighted improvements in governance under the current Department of Tourism structure, progress in digital integration of visa and tourism services, and the positive impact of existing SDF waiver mechanisms for border towns.

While the House noted the actions undertaken by the Government in response to the Committee’s recommendations, it directed further review in several key areas.

On the recommendation concerning legislative reform, the House directed the Government to comprehensively review the concerned tourism policies further based on the discussion in the House. The Government was also directed to conduct a further review on the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) adjustments. On measures relating to border towns, the House recommended extending the existing 24-hour SDF waiver to 72 hours. In improving operational systems, the House recommended that the routing of tourists be permitted through tour operators.

With regard to diversification and community participation, the House recommended that the Government consult each Dzongkhag to identify at least one unique product and provide the necessary financial and technical support for its development.

The House acknowledged the Government’s initiative to provide a four percent interest subsidy on loans for a period of one year for Department of Tourism-certified hotels and four-star and below, as a measure to support hoteliers.

On policy guidelines and the formulation of culture-based tourism, the House recommended that the Government study and explore ways and means to further encourage and promote this sector.

The House directed that a comprehensive report on the progress of these actions be submitted to Parliament in the Seventh Session.