To make the destination more affordable, Thai tour companies are asking Indian and Nepalese travel agents to offer packages that include Bhutan on the list of destinations in the hope that this would make a trip there more attractive to Thai travellers.

"Many Thais are interested in going to Bhutan because of the impression left by Bhutan's Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck who just visited Thailand to join the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne," said Anake Srichevachart, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association.

"Still, many have found the trip unaffordable and difficult to make," he said. "Aside from the minimum spending requirement, all travellers need to contact tour companies to arrange their itinerary, which must be submitted to the embassy three or four weeks in advance. Then, they still need a visa on arrival."

At present, a seven-night package to Bhutan costs Bt80,000, due mainly to the requirement that each traveller arriving in the mountainous country must spend at least US$200 (Bt7,686) a day.

One proposal for a seven-night package is that Thais travellers spend fewer nights in Bhutan and more nights in India or Nepal. Though this package would also cost Bt80,000, it could be more attractive as it includes three countries.

To cash in on the rising popularity of Bhutan, Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines), will increase the number of flights between Bangkok and Bhutan from seven a week to 10 a week in November, when Bhutan's high tourism season begins.

Jigme Tenzing, regional manager of Druk Air, said the number of international tourists to Bhutan should increase from 13,000 last year. Most foreign visitors are American, Chinese or Japanese, he said.

Thai tourists also want to visit the country, but the cost is too high, he said. Bhutan is famous for eco-tourism, culture and natural beauty, Jigme said.

Suchat Sritama

The Nation