The government is considering further relief for the hotel industry, which holds loans worth around Nu 14 billion, as it struggles with low tourist arrivals and weak occupancy rates. The government is investing Nu 900 million in tourism projects, including infrastructure development, staff training, promotional campaigns, and subsidized airfares, to support the hotel industry. The minister gave an explanation for why hotels were not included in the ESP, stating that the program was created to provide preference to businesses that may contribute to a decrease in imports, an increase in exports, or the creation of value.
Lyonpo added that in order to increase data accuracy and better track visitor arrivals, the administration is creating a computerized tourist registration system. He explained that the government has stopped approving new hotel building because of the current underutilization of the infrastructure that is already in place. There are indications of recovery despite continued difficulties. About 57,000 tourists visited Bhutan between January and April of this year, a 38% increase over the same period in 2024.