The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Public toilets remain one of the common concerns raised by tour operators and tourists visiting Bhutan, despite continued government investment in tourism infrastructure and the development of more than 103 toilet facilities across the country.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), Tashi Wangmo, said the ministry continues to prioritize basic tourism infrastructure, particularly roadside amenities (RSA), through collaboration with government agencies, tourism partners and the private sector.
More than 103 public toilets have been developed and supported across Bhutan, with regular annual investments dedicated to such facilities.
Most amenities have been developed by different agencies with support from the MoICE, while the ministry continues to encourage investment from private and other agencies to ensure sustainability.
The MoICE Secretary said that Bhutan’s tourism destinations have been developed and maintained through the collective efforts of local governments, communities, tourism businesses and government agencies.
However, destination management requires continuous improvement, innovation and shared stewardship as tourism continues to evolve.
The MoICE Secretary said, “While much has been achieved, we recognize that destination management requires constant improvement, innovation, and shared stewardship.”
To address gaps in basic tourism infrastructure, the Department of Tourism under MoICE has introduced the Tourism Minimum Facilities Initiative (TMFI) under the Tashel Framework.
The initiative aims to establish, improve and sustain minimum tourism facilities and standards through collaboration with dzongkhags, thromdes, tourism industry associations, communities and development partners.
The Secretary also clarified that the previously reported 85 percent budget utilisation referred to the overall utilisation of the Department of Tourism’s budget for one of the past financial years and not specifically to public toilets.
The ministry has allocated Nu 11 million for tourism infrastructure development, enhancement and maintenance, covering various facilities including public toilets.
Two Integrated Roadside Stations (IRS) will also be developed with support from the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), including cafés, public toilets, resting places and shops.
The Department of Tourism conducts regular assessments of tourism infrastructure needs through destination planning exercises, field inspections and feedback from tourists, guides and tour operators.
The ministry said the rollout of TMFI, in consultation with public and private partners, is aimed at improving basic tourism facilities and ensuring consistent standards across the country.
