28/08/2026
A Much-Needed Initiative by the Department of Tourism
This is a very good and timely initiative by the Department of Tourism. Ensuring that only approved and certified accommodation providers cater to tourists will help maintain proper standards and create a fairer environment within our hospitality industry.
Certified hotels have invested significantly in infrastructure, facilities, safety, service standards, staff training and other requirements to fulfil the criteria set by the Department of Tourism. It is therefore unfair when non-certified accommodation providers operate without meeting the same requirements and, in some cases, offer unsustainably low rates that affect the overall market and undermine those who have invested in maintaining proper standards.
I would also like to suggest that the Department of Tourism introduce a public online Star Classification portal where anyone can easily verify the official star rating and certification status of hotels and other accommodation providers in Bhutan.
Such a system would allow regional and international tourists, tour operators and travel agents to check whether a property is officially certified and whether it is classified as a 2 star ,3-star, 4-star, 5-star or other approved category. This would bring greater transparency, credibility and accountability to our tourism industry while protecting both visitors and genuine certified operators.
Appreciation to the Department of Tourism for taking this important step. Strong implementation and transparent public access to official hotel classifications would make this initiative even more effective and help promote quality tourism in Bhutan.
