Indian Tour Operators Explore Bhutan to Boost Premium Travel
Oriental Vacations and Journeys Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, under the leadership of Dr. Manoj Matta, successfully organised a comprehensive Familiarisation (FAM) trip to Bhutan from 24 to 29th December’2005 for leading Indian inbound tour operators of the country. The initiative, organised to commemorate 20 years of Oriental Vacations and Journeys, was also covered by the Bhutanese Media, highlighting its importance in strengthening tourism collaboration between India and the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.
The FAM programme was strongly supported by the Department of Tourism, MoICE, Royal Government of Bhutan, Bhutan Airlines, and a wide range of hospitality partners including Taj Paro Resort and Spa, Le Méridien Thimphu, IHCL SeleQtions Yarkay Thimphu, Postcard Dewa Thimphu, Lemon Tree Resort Thimphu, Dhensa Resort, Punakha, Le Méridien Riverfront Resort Paro, Dawa at Hilltop Paro, and Riverfront Resort Paro. The carefully curated itinerary covered the prime destinations of Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Haa Valley, offering participants extensive first-hand exposure to Bhutan as a premium, sustainable and experiential destination.
During the programme, delegates inspected and experienced around 25 hotels, spanning across three-star, four-star, five-star, luxury, boutique, wellness and riverside categories. The itinerary was further enriched with visits to Tachogang Lhakhang, Tashichhho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma, Takin Preserve, National Library, Paper Factory, National Memorial Chorten, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Suspension Bridge, Paro Dzong, Paro Museum and the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery).
FAM delegates experienced Bhutanese Hospitality amid Carbon negative emissions, its unique culture, mouthwatering cuisine, artefacts, handicrafts and its pristine environment.
Sharing his experience, Mr. Ubaid Ur Rehman, Assistant Vice President, Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, stated that Bhutan’s warm hospitality, pristine natural beauty, unique architecture and peaceful coexistence with nature make it a strong year-round destination.
Mr. Sunil Mishra, Managing Director, Cosmos Tours & Travels and General Secretary, IATO, said that visiting close to 25 hotels and major sightseeing points has significantly enhanced destination and product knowledge, enabling tour operators to promote and sell Bhutan more effectively.
Mr. Deepak Kumar Bhatnagar, CEO – Minar Travels (I) Pvt. Ltd. and Treasurer, IATO, remarked that first-hand exposure to Bhutan’s unique tourism products and guiding standards has been truly eye-opening.
Mr. Pramod Singla, Services International, New Delhi, who has been selling Bhutan since 1976 and visited the country for the first time on this FAM, described the programme as highly educational and activity-packed, offering valuable exposure to key sightseeing points and hotels across categories, leaving him with deeper destination knowledge and renewed confidence to promote Bhutan tourism.
Adding to the feedback, Mr. Viney Tyagi, UNI Crystal Holidays, New Delhi, and Joint Secretary, IATO, shared that this was his third visit to Bhutan within a year, including group travel and the current FAM organised by Dr. Manoj Matta. He highlighted Bhutan’s exceptional cleanliness, warm people, authentic hospitality, knowledgeable guides, well-preserved monasteries, dzongs and stupas, and stunning natural landscapes as elements that truly differentiate the destination. He noted that even first-time visitors on the FAM were pleasantly surprised and deeply impressed, expressing confidence that Bhutan will continue to attract strong tourism soon.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Manoj Matta, who has been promoting Bhutan since 2000, appreciated the Royal Govt. of Bhutan’s commitment to cultural preservation under the “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. He emphasised the need for improved air connectivity from major Indian cities, rationalisation of post-Covid airfares, stronger checks to prevent cost-undercutting, and better awareness and coordination of the 24-hour SDF waiver for regional tourists. He expressed optimism about future growth, especially with the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which he believes will be a game changer for Bhutan’s tourism sector. There could have not been a better way to conclude this year and celebrate our 20th anniversary, he added.
