The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Owner seeks transparency and fair explanation from DoT after selection, preparations and payment for participation in Tokyo tourism fair
The Department of Tourism (DoT) cancelled the participation of Ugyen Tours and Travels in the Japan Expo, held in Tokyo from 24 to 27 September 2026. In a letter dated 4 September 2026, the DoT informed the company that it could not be accommodated in the final participation arrangements for the Expo. The letter stated that the decision was made after considering several factors, including the international partners involved, limited space, logistical and operational arrangements, the relevance of business profiles and tourism offerings to the target market, the composition and diversity of the Bhutanese delegation, and the practical requirements for effective participation.
The participants had been selected through a lucky draw. In a group created by the DoT, participants were also informed that this year’s delegation would comprise 12 participants, including 10 tour operators and two airlines.
Ugyen Dorji, owner of Ugyen Tours and Travels, said the last-minute cancellation was unpleasant and that he felt discriminated against and mentally disturbed by the decision. He said he expected clear answers from the Department of Tourism regarding the cancellation, as he had followed all the instructions. He said the Department of Tourism had booked a 54-square-metre exhibition space for the Bhutan Pavilion at a total cost of USD 22,269. Under the standard cost-sharing arrangement, each company’s 50 percent contribution towards the exhibition space would amount to Nu. 90,000. He added that he had paid the required amount as instructed by the DoT.
He said his main intention behind participating in the Expo was to explore business opportunities, promote Bhutan as a tourist destination in the Japanese market and attract more visitors to the country. He added that participating in international tourism fairs would not only benefit his company by creating business opportunities but also contribute to the growth of Bhutan’s tourism sector and the country’s economy.
The Director of the DoT said the Ministry finalized the selection of the official national delegation for Tourism EXPO Japan following a comprehensive evaluation of confirmed participants. He said the selection was based on the limited booth capacity, the international exposure of the event and the strict operational and privacy requirements set by the organizers. These included restrictions on unauthorized photography, media recording and social media posting.
The Director said the selection was based on a holistic assessment of past performance, alignment with the Expo’s objectives and readiness to uphold Bhutan’s professional standing on the international stage. Members of the official delegation were expected to maintain high standards of professional conduct, courtesy and diplomacy to safeguard the country’s reputation. He added that the department continued to value Ugyen Dorji’s partnership and his ongoing contributions to the tourism sector.
Ugyen Dorji said that, during his conversation with the Director of the DoT, concerns were raised about him taking photos and videos and sharing them on social media while the Director and DoT officials were also participating in the expo. He said he was given the impression that this was one of the reasons behind his removal from the delegation.
“I was already selected, had joined the delegation group, made preparations and incurred expenses for the Expo. However, I was informed about my removal only at the last minute,” he said. He said that while he respected the DoT and its officials, he believed that every decision affecting private tourism operators should be transparent, fair and properly explained. Dorji said he would not make any accusations without evidence. Instead, he would retain all relevant documents, messages, payment records, communications and the timeline of events.
He said he intended to submit the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and seek a proper review through the appropriate channels. He also officially registered his complaint with the ACC on 7 October, 2026. He personally went to the ACC office, saying that if there is a genuine concern, it should be addressed through the proper channels rather than being discussed only on social media.
