BBSCL

The Indonesian province of Bali, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is considering adopting a tourism policy similar to Bhutan’s. They are planning to introduce a daily tourist fee to manage the growing number of visitors and its adverse impacts. As Bali considers implementing a daily tourism levy identical to Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Bhutanese tourism officials...

Yonphula Domestic Airport in Kanglung, Trashigang has significantly eased travel for many passengers. However, poor weather conditions, particularly during peak monsoon, have led to flight inconsistency, leaving travellers frustrated. Strong winds and dense fog are the main causes of frequent flight schedule disruptions. Dense fog from various directions covers the airport as passengers anxiously wait for the weather to improve....

High capital costs, a small market, and limited growth opportunities have slowed the development of Over-the-Top or OTT platforms in the country. To address these challenges, the country’s three licensed OTT platforms, Samuh, Shangreela, and Songyala, are merging into one under the brand name ‘Samuh+Shangreela”. The founders and CEOs of the three platforms signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise...

Bhutan is taking the lead in strengthening cultural cooperation amongst the BIMSTEC region with the establishment of the BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Office (BCIO) in Thimphu. The office will serve as a hub for promoting cultural industries, reducing poverty, strengthening regional development, and preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. With this, the country fulfils the commitment made at the Paro Initiative...