With the aim to increase Indian tourists visiting Bhutan by five percent this year, DruЌkair Corporation has revived its holiday package under the Royal Druk Holidays (RDH) brand. The package for Indian tourists ranges from a miniЌmum of three nights four days to a maximum of 10 days. The packages are inclusive of airЌfare and other arrangements.

For promotion in India, Drukair is tying up with more agencies and hoteliers. Currently, it is working with Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited and has signed agreements with Tiger's Nest Resort, Uma Resort, Zhiwaling and Tashi Taj to promote Indian tourists only. "We need to push this colЌlectively in some major markets in India," said Tshering Penjor, the general manager (GM) of Drukair.

There are also plans to increase flight frequency from three to almost six a week to Delhi depending on the ongoЌing discussions with Nepal Airlines.

The GM said Drukair did not market its holiday packages in countries where tourists require visas. "They are left to the expertise of the local tour operators."

He said that the volume of tourists from other countries was not adequate for either the airline or hotels, and there was a need to find innovative means of using the excess capacity during the low season from June to August and December to February.

"India is an important market with a GDP growth of 7.5 percent with the biggest middle class in the world, and an overseas travel estimated at 16 million people. With the convenience of travel to Bhutan, India could be the single biggest market," said the GM.

However, once there is more participation from agencies and hoteliers in India, Drukair will concentrate on their core business to keep the aircraft flying.

As a scheduled carrier, the GM said, it would be irresponsible on their part to remove flights during low season. "We do have the challenge of mainЌtaining consistent reliability of service and ensuring financial sustainability," he said.

RDH is specifically targeted for India and Bangladesh, as people from these two countries do not require visa to enter Bhutan.

Drukair also promotes itself in Thailand and Nepal under the RDH. It has partnerЌships with agencies in Nepal for pilgrimage, leisure and golfing packages.

Drukair is also revisiting operational plans with regard to routes, and there will be more flight frequencies within the SAARC region soon.

Hongkong is on Drukair's radar for 2011 end but this depends on how the aviation scene turns out by the end of the year after the domestic air services are introduced, and whether there will be adЌditional airlines operating out of Bhutan.

Source: Bhutan Observer