Polar bear cams go live for Polar Bear Week

Viewers across the globe will tune in to social media for Polar Bear Week, running from 30 October – 5 November 2022, with cameras capturing every moment of the polar bear migration from Churchill in Canada’s central province of Manitoba. 

Polar Bear Week allows real-time access to these magnificent creatures in their natural habit, as they wait for the sea ice to form in order to migrate across the Canadian Arctic.

 Viewers can ‘bear’ witness to this annual journey from the comfort of their home by accessing the live streams found at https://www.explore.org/livecams or follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polarbearsinternational/

An initiative created by Explore.org, Frontiers North Adventures and Polar Bears International, the use of non-stop coverage of the polar bears’ plight on social media aims to build awareness of the devastating effects climate change is having on this unique species.

326,667 tourists arrive in eight months

Tourism is the most affected sector by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, foreign tourists could not come to Nepal for almost two years. During the two-year period, the arrival of foreign guests remained zero in some months. However, in 2022, the arrival of foreigners started to improve. In the period of eight months (January-August) this year, a total of 326,667 foreign tourists have entered Nepal.

According to Maniraj Lamichhane, director of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), all these foreign tourists came by air. Apart from that, there is no significant data of foreigners entering by land route. During this period, a large part of the Indian visitors entered Nepal by land, but their data is not maintained anywhere. However, the tourism market, which had fallen to zero, has received a lot of visitors in eight months.

Tourism entrepreneurs said that this arrival is more than expected. According to NTB, there has been an improvement in tourism arrivals since the beginning of this year. Lamichhane said that even after eight months that improvement is gaining momentum.

“Signs of improvement in tourism were seen from the beginning of this year. That momentum is still ongoing. Sometimes the arrival ratio keeps going down,” Lamichhane said, “More foreign tourists than expected have entered in a short time. Now that the tourist season has started, it is expected that the number of arrivals will increase further in the coming months.”

According to the data of NTB, 16,975 foreign guests entered Nepal in January. That number rose to 19,766 in February. Tourist arrival in March was 42,006 and in April it was 61,589. The number of arrivals in May was 53,608, while in June 46,957 foreigners entered Nepal.

A total of 44,462 people entered Nepal in July, 41,304 foreigners entered Nepal in August. Before the COVID-19 infection started, the number of foreign tourists arriving in Nepal in the month of August was 73,814. Lamichhane said there was a 56 percent improvement in arrivals this August compared to August, 2019.

The arrival of this month in 2020 was 256 and 5,917 in 2021. Lamichhane said that foreigners coming to Nepal are also affected by international events. He said that the growth rate of the improvement till the previous month was around 70 to 75 percent when the COVID-19 infection decreased, but the improvement rate was slightly reduced in the month of August.

The rate of improvement in the last month was around 70 percent. But in the month of August, it dropped to 56 percent. "Some international developments may have affected it," he said, adding, "International war may also be a factor."

He said that even though this month's growth rate is a bit weak, there is no need to panic now. We have received a good response for the upcoming season. The season has started. The arrival of foreigners will definitely improve in the coming months, he said. September to November is considered to be the main season in the tourism sector in Nepal.

Tourism entrepreneurs say that despite the increase in tourist arrivals after COVID-19, not all tourism sectors are able to benefit due to inadequate infrastructure. “The recovery after COVID-19 is good. The arrival so far also shows a positive sign," said Sushil Raj Poudel, president of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki Chapter, an umbrella organization of trekkers. "If there is sufficient infrastructure and ease of access, tourists will come. Now, Pokhara is lagging behind in accessibility.”

He said that Pokhara could not get support due to the problem of access. "Pokhara itself is a popular destination, so tourists came. However, now most of the infrastructures are weak," he said.

*Source: Nepal Republic Media Pvt. ltd

World Tourism Day celebrated with record growth in Regional Victorian tourism

This World Tourism Day, new figures reveal record levels of tourism spend in regional Victoria are leading the state’s recovery.

The National Visitor Survey (NVS) reveals domestic overnight spend in regional Victoria is now exceeding pre-pandemic performance, contributing $7.8 billion to the Victorian economy, up from $7.2 billion in the year ending June 2019.

Intrastate overnight spend has also fully recovered, recording $8.8 billion in the year to June 2022, compared to $8.7 billion in the year ending June 2019.

While encouraging, the total number of intrastate overnight visitors to Victoria in the year to June 2022 was 22 per cent less and domestic visitors just 69 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. This indicates that fewer visitors are spending more on tourism after saving through COVID lockdowns.

VTIC CEO Felicia Mariani said regional Victoria will continue its strong performance as it embarks on its peak summer season in the coming months.

“We continue to see Victorians enjoying our world-class nature-based, cultural, and culinary experiences in our regions, and we would like to see better dispersal of interstate and international visitors to our regions through an aviation activation strategy.

The NVS data showed that international spend is almost back to a third of pre-pandemic levels, but international visitors were only 13 per cent of the levels we saw in June 2019.

Ms Mariani said that improving Melbourne’s slower recovery and attracting international visitors should be a focus to drive recovery.

“While Melbourne is performing well in the competitive market for interstate visitors, garnering the highest interstate overnight spend of any capital city in the year to June 2022, domestic visitor spend in Melbourne is still just 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. Compare this to regional Victoria’s record growth and it’s even more important to bring Melbourne’s recovery in line with the rest of the state.

“The rhythm of our capital city has changed, and we need a 10-year blueprint for Greater Melbourne to plan its next phase. This blueprint will guide how Victoria must respond to the slow return of international visitors and students and adapt to the hybrid work practices now adopted by most organisations.

“The latest arrivals data also shows many Australians are choosing overseas holidays, with more than 345,000 returning from an overseas trip in July, compared to 93,000 international visitors choosing to holiday in Australia in the same month. Many of those international arrivals were family or friends rather than international holidaymakers, which were still only 26 per cent of July 2019 levels.”

VTIC’s full State Election Platform #tourismmatters is available to read here.

The Charming Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture is well known for its endearing deer, peaceful atmosphere and ancient temples. For those that take the time to visit, it holds a special place in their heart. 

Here are some of the best locations to discover what this charming prefecture has to offer:

• Nara Park - Meet the adorable deer. Did you know they are protected as ‘natural monuments’ in Nara? 
• Todaiji Temple - Known for housing one of the world’s largest bronze Buddhas.
• Yamanobe Road- An ancient road turned hiking trail steeped in history. It is also the oldest Japanese road on written record! 
• Imaicho – A beautifully preserved merchant town dating back to the Edo Period.
• Mt Yoshino – A UNESCO World Heritage site and a spectacular place to see sakura in spring. 

Inside the temple is the Daibutsu-Den.(Giant Buddha).

Behind it is a tall pillar with a large hole that you can pass through. Only try it though if you are a tiny kid.

The walk from the bus car park is somewhat long, but in pleasant well kept surroundings.  Well worth a visit!

Nara is around a half-hour train ride from Osaka and Kyoto.

 
Learn more: https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/nara/
Photo: Nara Park by @akinchu551 on Instagram #PrefecturesofJapan

Japan National Tourism Organization

Instagram: visitjapansg
Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Caravan Park Cliches Are a Thing of the Past

When BIG4 Holiday Parks (BIG4) was established in 1979, the founders had no idea what the future would hold or the experiences they would come to offer its guests.

Memories of jumping pillows and basic BBQs may monopolise the thinking when many Aussies reflect on the caravan park of their childhood summers, but BIG4 has led the way in providing unexpected experiences that dispel clichés.

Sean Jenner, CEO of BIG4, said the parks pride themselves on providing guests more than they anticipate from this style of accommodation.

“Holiday parks have been around for a long time in Australia, but many people don't know how much they've changed in recent years,” said Sean.

"Whether couples are looking for next-level luxury in a glamtainer in Castlemaine, or a group of friends are aiming to soak up the sun from a beachfront house in Queensland, BIG4 is there for more than just your typical family holiday.

“With more than 180 BIG4 Holiday Parks around the country, the unexpected experiences are endless. You'll find pet-friendly accommodation in over 50 BIG4 parks around Australia and glamping accommodation options in more than 30.

"COVID-19 has only increased Australians' desire to explore their own country and people are rediscovering the joy of holiday parks. Not only do our parks have options to suit any traveller's needs, but they provide even more.”

Parks continue to add more features to entertain and entice guests. BIG4 Bendigo Marong recently became the first holiday park in Australia to introduce a new X-Golf electronic simulator; popular with guests wanting to improve their handicap or try golf for the first time.

BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park also recently expanded its offering with the launch of unique tram accommodation; two converted 1930s Melbourne trams equipped to sleep eight in ultimate comfort.

Michael Boyd, Operations Manager of BIG4 Yarra Valley, said that people often don't know what's on offer at their closest BIG4.

"Many people have no idea the extent of our options for their next trip,” explained Michael. "We have everything from glamping pods to superior cabins to our new tram accommodation and can find something to suit just about any holiday need.”

“We love seeing people rediscover holiday parks and learn to expect the unexpected from their next visit.”

To find out more about BIG4 Holiday Parks, please visit: https://www.big4.com.au/

Hanoi Golf Tourism Week 2022 to kick off in October

Hanoi has met the criteria for hosting an international
 golf tournament. Photo: Le Nam

Hanoi Golf Tourism Week 2022 will be held at Dong Mo, Legend Hill, Minh Tri, Sky Lake, and Long Bien golf courses in October, according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism.

The event, co-organized by the Vietnam Golf Tourism Association, Hanoi Department of Tourism, and Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports is aimed at attracting expat golfers living in Vietnam and golfers who are Vietnamese nationals.

At a meeting with the Hanoi Department of Tourism on September 12, World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke suggested that Hanoi should ensure international standards of golf courses for the tournament. “Tournament venues must be located within walking distance of world-class accommodation facilities and have a connection with interesting tourist attractions in Hanoi,” he stated.

Director of the municipal Tourism Department Dang Huong Giang said that with its own advantages, Hanoi has met the criteria for hosting such an international-scale event. She said apart from a tournament, the event is also meant to broadcast Hanoi’s luxury tourism and entertainment services to foreign travelers, especially high-spending tourists. “This is a great opportunity for Hanoi to promote its beautiful image and its tourist attractions among international luxury tourists,” she added.

Giang urged World Travel Award to support Hanoi in widely promoting its recently earned award of “Asia’s Leading City Break Destination 2022”, creating a brand identity to the capital tourism. She also asked the tourism organization to help the city to build a marketing strategy for its tourism internationally via online tools.

The World Travel Award assesses that golf tourists may spend six times more than other visitors. Therefore, Hanoi tourism needs to make more efforts to gradually turn the city into an opulent destination for the demanding segment of tourists.

Hanoi is currently home to seven high-class golf courses in Hanoi, which have received numerous compliments from golfers including Long Bien, Kings’ Island Golf, Van Tri Golf Club, Legend Hill Golf Resort, and Hanoi Golf Club, among others. By the end of 2022, another ten golf courses would be built in the city.

The number of golfers in Vietnam is on the constant rise. With the current growth rate, it is expected that by 2025, there would be about 300,000 golfers in Vietnam. This is one of the favorable conditions for golf tourism in Vietnam to soon take off.

In order to enhance the attractiveness of golf tourism, Hanoi should include craft village experiences or spiritual tourism in the tours, so as to extend guest stays and effectively exploit local tourism resources, according to local experts.

Jenna Duong - Le Nam
Source: HanoiTimes - hanoitimes.vn

Accor recognized as the Most Sustainable Travel Company at the TTG Travel Awards

Accor has been recognised as the Most Sustainable Travel Company at the 31st Annual TTG Travel Awards 2022 held in Bangkok, Thailand. Accor's economy brand, ibis, also won Best Budget Hotel Brand for the seventh time.

The TTG Travel Awards is the most coveted and influential awards in the regions' travel industry that honour leading organisations and individuals who consistently demonstrate a commitment towards service excellence. The TTG Travel Awards has been recognising the best of Asia-Pacific's travel industry since 1989.

“We are honoured to have been recognised by TTG's editorial panel as the most sustainable travel company, for our commitment to the environment and local communities”, said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for Accor Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea. “As the largest hotel operator in Southeast Asia, Accor has a major role to play in contributing towards social and economic inclusion, in particular by providing access to jobs and training. We want to make a positive impact on the local communities in which we operate which is why we are focussed on providing training and mentoring programs, as well as supporting initiates that allow more equitable access to our industry”.

Accor was the first major hotel group to establish an Environment department in 1994. Since then, the hospitality company has affirmed its leadership position through ambitious goals focussed on reducing energy consumption, protecting the environment, supporting local communities and ensuring a more sustainable future. An endowment fund, Accor Solidarity, was setup in 2018 and has supported over 450 community projects to date across 50 countries. In 2021, Accor committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, and reducing absolute emissions by -46% by 2030. The group is currently eliminating all single-use plastics from its guest experience areas and working on initiatives to reduce food waste.

Accor's economy brand, ibis, was also recognised at the TTG Travel Awards as the Best Budget Hotel Brand. On hand to accept the award, Ianic Menard, Vice President Operations for Accor Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, said, “Our ibis hotels share a common goal – to be open to all, wherever and whomever you are. This much-loved brand has been a trailblazer in the economy sector since 1974 and continues to shake up economy hotel standards by creating a kind of hotel social scene.”

Victoria Sertic, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Accor Southeast Asia, Japan & South Korea describes the ambition for ibis as being one of openness: “We really want ibis to be perceived as being open to the world, to others and to the unknown, reaffirming the values of togetherness, curiosity and inclusiveness. We have worked hard to position ibis as a lively social hub where anybody can come to sleep, dine and meet new people. We're delighted to accept this award for ibis, and look forward to welcoming the world to some of our exciting upcoming addresses across the region.”

Accor is the largest and most geographically diverse hotel group in Southeast Asia. The group currently operates over 370 hotels under 18 hotel brands across the region, with an additional 120 hotels set to join the network within the next five years.

Website: https://www.accorhotels.com

Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Restaurant Awards

Wild Harvest Tasmania 

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, today announced the next in its community-powered Travellers’ Choice® Awards series: the 2022 Best of the Best Restaurants. Here to help everyone discover all the must-visit restaurants when travelling, Tripadvisor is sharing the top-rated spots across the globe, inclusive of six different subcategories of restaurant types. Discerning diners can peruse the menu of winners here: tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Restaurants.

Award-winning restaurants this year spanned six continents and 51 countries. Global labour challenges and ongoing COVID-19 restrictions continued to limit dine-in capacity in some markets - for instance, some Asian nations were closed to international tourists for nearly the entire data evaluation period. Still, gourmands the world over savoured dining out, leaving millions of reviews on Tripadvisor chronicling their experiences.

 

“Dining out is an internationally beloved pastime: for many restaurant-goers, it's frequenting their favourite neighbourhood eatery and for others, it’s snagging a table at a top-rated restaurant on vacation. More than half of consumers in a recent survey* told us that food is the most exciting component of their trip,” said Lauren Murphy, Vice President, GM of Hospitality Solutions at Tripadvisor. “Like searching through a big menu for the perfect meal, recommendations can be helpful in decision making, and our community’s guidance makes choosing from the wide array of restaurants easier. Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Awards, decided by people who visited and reviewed these places in the past year, offers authentic recommendations for the best places to eat no matter the occasion!”

 

Diners looking to celebrate a special occasion or splurge on an elegant night out should look no further than the Best of the Best Fine Dining winners. The No. 1 Fine Dining Restaurant in the world for 2022 is The Old Stamp House Restaurant in Ambleside, United Kingdom. Taking the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year, Old Stamp House, run by two brothers, is revered for its intimate, unique setting and tasting menu.

 

EXP. restaurant - Pokolbin

Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Australia

1. Wild Harvest - Grassy, Tasmania
2. EXP. restaurant - Pokolbin, New South Wales
3. Melaleuca - Port Douglas, Queensland
4. Charred Kitchen & Bar - Orange, New South Wales
5. Sokyo - Sydney, New South Wales
6. The Stunned Mullet - Port Macquarie, New South Wales
7. Me Wah - Hobart, Tasmania
8. The Gates Restaurant - Pokolbin, New South Wales
9. L'isle de France Terrigal - Terrigal, New South Wales
10. Margan Restaurant & Winery - Broke, New South Wales

 

The winning establishments in the Best of the Best Everyday Eats category offer delicious indulgence without breaking the bank. Here are the top 10 in Australia:

1. Bella Venezia Restaurant & Bar - Mooloolaba, Queensland
2. Cucina Porto - Sydney, New South Wales
3. Victor's Place - McLaren Vale, South Australia
4. Hatsuhana Japanese Restaurant - Gold Coast, Queensland
5. South on Albany - Berry, New South Wales
6. Nour Sydney - Sydney, New South Wales
7. Thai Pothong - Newtown, New South Wales
8. Amelia Park Restaurant - Wilyabrup, Western Australia
9. Misono Japanese - Surfers Paradise, Queensland
10. Soi 38 - Adelaide, South Australia

  

Have an anniversary coming up or want to impress a date? The Best of the Best Date Night Restaurants reveal places ideal for couples to enjoy a meal out. Altto Ristorante & Lounge Bar in Brazil has been crowned the most romantic restaurant in the world for 2022. With a breathtaking view of the Bay of Armação and unparalleled gastronomic experience, it’s clear why couples love dining here.

 

Top 10 Date Night Restaurants in Australia:

1. Watergate Restaurant & Lounge Bar - Port Douglas, Queensland
2. Appellation - Marananga, South Australia
3. The Ox and Hound Bistro - Beechworth, Victoria
4. Restaurant Botanica - Pokolbin, New South Wales
5. The Provenance - Beechworth, Victoria
6. Zinc Port Douglas - Port Douglas, Queensland
7. Bistro Terroir - Daylesford, Victoria
8. Rubens - Hepburn Springs, Victoria
9. Beach Club Restaurant - Hamilton Island, Queensland
10. Oyster HQ - Coffin Bay, South Australia

  

Although the Travellers’ Choice Awards typically represent the top-rated, most popular restaurants, Tripadvisor sought to showcase lesser-known spots and places locals love; hence, a brand-new subcategory revealing the best Hidden Gems. Globetrotting foodies on the hunt for hole-in-the-wall local favourites can check out Green Point in Cusco, Peru, the No. 1 Hidden Gem on the planet in this inaugural award. This plant-based culinary experience will impress vegans and meat eaters-alike.

 

The Currant Shed - McLaren Vale

Top 10 Hidden Gems in Australia

1. The Currant Shed - McLaren Vale, South Australia
2. Potager - A Kitchen Garden - Carool, New South Wales
3. Croc Xpresso Cafe - Daintree, Queensland
4. Two Bays Brewing Co - Dromana, Victoria
5. Lamberts Restaurant - Brisbane, Queensland
6. Paulett Wines & Bush DeVine Cafe - Polish Hill River, South Australia
7. Table by Canberra Gourmet - Canberra, ACT
8. Mai Kitchen - Adelaide, South Australia
9. Pizzateca - McLaren Vale, South Australia
10. Da Orlando - Wollongong, New South Wales

 

To see all the winners, including the best in the world, visit tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Restaurants.

The three operas of The Phantom of the Opera

While The Phantom of the Opera is a musical through-and-through, it draws an enormous amount of inspiration from the world of opera.

This story of a tortured genius, who lives beneath a Parisian opera house, and the young singer with whom he develops a dangerous obsession, is operatic in scale. And with its backstage setting, it needs a touch of opera to lend authenticity.

Throughout this grand, sweeping romance, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber threaded excerpts of three fictional operas, of different eras and styles: Hannibal, Il Muto and Don Juan Triumphant.

We asked Associate Director Seth Sklar-Heyn about the three operas of The Phantom of the Opera.

What role do the three fictional operas play in The Phantom of the Opera?

Seth Sklar-Heyn: Phantom is a backstage story that takes place within the famed Palais Garnier in Paris.

We think of it as a play with an incredible score attached to it and it’s specifically the operas within the production that help to locate us. It’s about the business of opera, the routines of a working theatre, a community of vivid individuals that inhabit all levels of the building, and it’s the opera productions and stage that are at the center of everything.

It’s on the stage that we meet the show’s key figures, then we’re thrust into the corridors, dressing rooms, offices, and even the subterranean lair of the Phantom filled with props, curtains, and scenery that he’s absconded with from the Opera House above.

How do the operas set the tone for an audience?

SSH: The operas are entertaining, but they are often interrupted, overtaken, and unsettled by unexpected forces from offstage. It’s within the operas when we are reminded that the stage itself can be a dangerous place


Things can go wrong and severe injuries, or worse, are possible. The theatre is also rife with superstition and when our story begins in rehearsals for Hannibal we quickly learn about the persistent threats by a rumored “opera ghost.”

What are the operas about?
Hannibal

Inspiration: This exotic epic is reminiscent of Verdi's Aida.

What happens? In Hannibal, by the fictional composer "Chalumeau", we’ve reached the great choral scene in which Hannibal (played by Piangi) and his army return to save Carthage from the Roman invasion under Scipio.

We join the opera towards the end of Elissa’s (Carlotta) aria. She is alone, holding a present from the approaching Hannibal: a bleeding severed head.

Il Muto

Inspiration: Early Classical operas, like Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.

What happens? In Il Muto, we open on an ornate 18th century salon.

We meet a Countess (Carlotta), and the pageboy Serafimo (Christine), disguised as the Countess's maid. Various palace staff are gossiping with relish about the Countess’s current liaison with Serafimo.

Eventually, Don Attilio (the cuckolded husband) visits his wife’s salon to say goodbye before he journeys abroad. Suspicious of his wife, he hides and ultimately catches the Countess in bed with Serafimo.

Don Juan Triumphant

Inspiration: Composed by the Phantom, this opera draws on Mozart’s Don Giovanni in plot. It features a more modern sound akin to Schönberg and Prokofiev.

What happens? The curtain rises on a huge 17th century hall where a licentious nobleman, Don Juan (Piangi), and his servant, Passarino, are surrounded by a horde of ruffians preparing a feast for the two men. They are awaiting the arrival of Aminta, a peasant girl (played by Christine), who is expected presently.

Don Juan has plotted to seduce Aminta by disguising himself as Passarino.

How do you approach these operatic excerpts as a director?

SSH: We don’t think of the three pastiche operas within Phantom as send-ups or parodies. Instead, we approach and play them authentically.

These operatic scenes represent the varied repertoire of the Opera Populaire, the company in residence at our version of the Palais Garnier and are, in ways, referential to some real, traditional works audiences might recognise.

We encourage the company, singers and dancers alike, to perform with a conviction and a heightened delivery that supports the grand scale and style of the characters and design within each piece.

Sydney - Sydney Opera House
From 19 August 2022
Book tickets

Melbourne - Arts Centre Melbourne
From 30 October 2022
Book tickets
*Opera Australia

LUMAGICA INNSBRUCK

"Once around the world" in Innsbruck's Imperial Gardens

LUMAGICA Innsbruck, the park of lights in Innsbruck's Hofgarten, will take its visitors on a "Once around the world" this winter. From 18 November 2022 to 29 January 2023, you will encounter all kinds of special light sculptures inspired by the five continents of the earth on the approximately 1-kilometre-long circular path: from the illuminated New York Statue of Liberty to colourful camels, monkeys and penguins.

Opening times:daily (except 24 December) from 5.30 pm - 10.00 pm
Last admission: 8.30 pm

Prices:Adults from: € 15
Children from: € 8
Families from: € 43
One-off free admission is included in the benefits of the Innsbruck Card and the SKI plus CITY Pass
20 % discount for holders of the Welcome Card
20 % TT Club discount
20 % Freizeitticket discount

Further information on tickets and daily prices at LUMAGICA Innsbruck

Austrian National Tourist Office Sydney

Address: Suite 14/235 Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: (02) 9299 3621

Hoteliers recommend exempting SDF for all border towns

Tourists visiting for a day or spending a night in the border towns could be exempted from paying the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), according to the representatives of the hoteliers.

The recommendation was submitted at the consultation between the hoteliers and the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) yesterday.

According to draft tourism rules and regulations 2022, a day visitor spending a night within the border towns of Bhutan or travelling beyond the designated point will be subject to payment of applicable SDF.

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) also met with representatives of the Guide Association of Bhutan (GAB) yesterday.

During the consultation meeting, the members from HRAB raised that SDF should be exempted in all border towns.

“Imposing SDF in the border towns will discourage tourists to halt in the border towns of Bhutan, encouraging travellers to stay a night across the border depriving the local border communities of Bhutan of revenue and tourism,” the hoteliers said.

The hoteliers said that just Nu 6,000 to Nu 7,000 SDF tourists will stay at the border area. “This will have huge impacts on the hoteliers.”

The hoteliers said that from experience, the regional tourists usually come in large groups with family. They said that there should be a detailed procedure for the application of permits modality of procedure while applying for a visa or permit.

The draft rule states that a tourist will pay applicable SDF as per the procedure adopted by the Department of Immigration for applying for a visa or permit, whichever is applicable.

The hoteliers also recommended that the business bonds should be according to the category of the hotels, though they support on the providing business bonds.

The draft rules also state that the service provider will have to provide the business bond of Nu 500,000 in the form of a Bank Guarantee drawn in favour of the TCB or any other agency identified for that purpose and payable at banks located in Thimphu.

The hoteliers said that since there are high bad debts among the service providers a dispute committee between service providers should be formed. However, the proposal was already submitted to the council.

The hoteliers said that though the new tourism policy is for a level playing field for all the service providers, there is micromanagement at the ground level with many requirements.

The officials from TCB also said that the council is also working and revising the requirements and criteria of star ratings of hotels and hotels will be assessed again.

Meanwhile, the TCB has taken the feedback of the service providers on transportation. TCB is proposing that tourist vehicles should not be older than 12 years from the date of registration with the Road Safety and Transport Authority.

The draft rules also state that the Luxury SUVs should be above 1900cc and luxury buses above 2400cc.

The hoteliers said that the higher cc doesn’t mean a luxury vehicle. There is some higher cc which is not luxury.

The TCB officials also said that they are also proposing budget hotels to cater to tourists in some of the dzongkhags for the time being since there are no 3-star and above hotels.

They said that the government is also revising and working on the SDF exemption in some of the categories. Currently, there are 18 categories exempted from SDF.

The hoteliers said that there is no clarity on rules and regulations. They are confused. If the government could direct them properly so that they can upgrade the business or either prepare to exit the business.

Guide Association of Bhutan

The members from GAB also recommended that instead of categorising in different levels, the guides should be categorised as culture guides, specialised tour guides, senior guides and as tour leaders.

The members also recommended that as the beginner or culture guide, the guide should handle a small group maximum of six tourists.

The guide should have at least three years of experience in culture guide to be promoted to specialized guide. To become senior guides they should have at least five years of experience in the specialization.

It was recommended that the guides should undergo trekking training compulsory in specialization and in the senior guides. To become the tour leader the guide should have a minimum experience of five years as a senior guide. From culture guide to tour leader, the guide should have at least 13 years of experience.

The guides will be assessed on their competency. The guides will conduct tests to promote to the next level. If they fail to renew their license they will have to pay a penalty and be re-assessed.

“There are some senior guides who cannot explain to the tourists,” a GAB member said.

The guides also proposed that they be provided with accommodation during the tour. The guide claims that some of the guides are not provided accommodation by the hotels and they struggle to find accommodations.

The draft rules and regulations and recommendations will be tabled in the council board meeting and finalised which will be held this week.
*Source: kuenselonline, Dechen Dolkar