𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦  𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 (𝐂𝐁𝐓) 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬

Aum Pema from Merak is reached her hometown in far eastern Bhutan today from the long tedious bus journey she has taken from Haa. For eight long days, Aum Pema along with the 56 other individuals from different communities under eight districts of Bhutan were there in Haa to learn diverse aspects of tourism.  It was a heavy heart for her to bid farewell to her close acquaintance she has known during the training, but she is much in haste to be back at her community and put into action of what she has learnt during the training.

RSPN in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Bhutan conducted the training for these local communities to enhance their skills in handling the guests. In particular, training was mainly focused on managing the Homestay and Ecolodge Operations, and skills that are useful to run the Cafeteria and Campsite. 

The training was driven by community-based tourism approach intended to create a unique experience for the tourist and focused on having standard practices and sustainable mechanisms.  The training provided by the expertise of RSPN and from other relevant organizations helped participants who were mostly attended by females to acquire skills and knowledge on diverse components of tourism. The tailored made training modules on the following areas were specifically designed and conducted:

Homestay Management: Focused on the skills to provide authentic cultural experiences and unique built-in Bhutanese hospitality skills. 

Ecolodge Operations: Emphasized on eco-friendly practices in managing lodges that respect and preserve our natural environment.

Cafeteria Management: Built the skills and knowledge from menu planning to customer service, The highlight of the training was emphasizing the showcase of  local cuisines. 

Campsite Management: Ensured to create memorable outdoor experiences, site maintenance, beautification, guest services, and the safety protocols for campgrounds.

The training is funded by #UNDP #GEF Ecotourism Project “Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into tourism sector in Bhutan” implemented by the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment.

This training program is a part of IKI Project “Developing Ecosystem-based Solutions for Managing Biodiversity landscapes in Bhutan” funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Germany through International Climate Initiative (IKI) with co-funding from MAVA Foundation, Switzerland and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).