Bhutan Tourism Updates

In Singapore, it is the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) - TCBS' equivalent body - who is responsible of issuing the license for travel agencies.

In Bhutan, it is currently the Regional Trade and Industry Office (RTIO) and not the Tourism Council of Bhutan Secretariat (TCBS), who issues the licence for tour operators.

As of January 2013, 1,068 tour operators licences have been issued by the Regional Trade and Industry Office (RTIO). Only 961 of these 1,068 Tour Operators are registered with the TCBS.
More than 350 Tour Operators had not renewed their licenses.

Starting a Travel Agency in Bhutan

Applications are filed manually.


Agencies involved

RTIO - Regional Trade and Industry Office
- Issues licence for local Tour Operators
- Renewal of Tour Operator licences

TCBS - Tourism Council of Bhutan Secretariat
- Issues license for Tourist Hotels
- Issues license for Tour Guides
- Registrar of Tour Operators' bank account for foreign tourist online visa application
- Inspections to ensure proper office setup


Application Procedures in Bhutan

[1]  Application

       Submit application to TCBS with the desired company name.

[2]  Recommendation Letter

       TCBS issues a recommendation letter or clearance if the name is available.

[3]  Licence Issue

       Bring recommendation letter to RTIO to process the tour operator license.

[4]  Open Bank Account

       Once the tour operator license is issued, open a bank account.

[5]  Register Account for Online Visa Application for tourists

       Register bank account with TCBS, to set up an account for online visa
       application (tourists).

[6]  Office Setup

       Ensure proper office setup with proper demarcation

[7]  Subsequent Renewal of Licence

       Renew licence under RTIO.
       If no renewal after 6 months, the licence is cancelled.
       Per day renewal delay penalty of Nu. 20 a day applies.

Starting a Travel Agency in Singapore

Applications are filed online.


Agencies involved

ACRA - Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority
- Company registration

STB - Singapore Tourism Board
- Issues licence for Tour Operators
- Renewal of Tour Operator Licences
- Inspections to ensure proper office setup



Application Procedures in Singapore

[1]  Company registration

       The applicant has to first register a Singapore company.

       This is a 2-stage process:

       (i)  the company name clearance
             S$15 for both Sole Proprietor or Private Limited Company.

       (ii) Registration (Sole Proprietorship)
             S$65
             or
             Incorporation (Private Limited company).
             S$300

        There is a Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) code indicating company's
        activity. 78211-Travel Agents And Tour Operators. 78212-Ticketing Agencies.


[2]  STB Application

       Processing time one week (3 – 5 working days).
       In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter via postal mail.


The following are the prerequisites for approval.

[a]  Paid-up Capital

        S$100,000.

[b]  Key Executive

       Responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.

       Can be citizen, permanent resident, or employment pass holder.

       Police clearance and credit background checks, may be required at STB’s
       discretion.

       Owner must declare any shareholdings in other travel agencies.

[c]  Website

       The company must have a website to operate the business.

[d]  Travel Related Users’ System (TRUST)

        Observe “Terms and Conditions" in this state-sanctioned travel industry website. 

[e]  Office Space and Signboard

       Business office dedicated to travel agency operations.
       Tenancy agreement with a period of at least one year.
       Signboard that reflects the nature your business must be erected.

       Individual freelance travel agent can conduct business from home.
       HDB flat - approval from Housing Development Board (HDB).
       Private accommodation - approval from Urban Redevelopment Authority
       (URA).

[f]  Insurance

      Appropriate insurance coverage for premises.

[3]  Subsequent Renewal of Licence

        Once issued, the Singapore travel agency license is valid for two years.
        It expires on 31 December of the following year irrespective of the month in which
        you initially made your application.
        Therefore, applying in January will be advantageous.

        License must be renewed one month before it expires.