ETW Staff- Mumbai
Drukair has announced that it will launch its 10th international destination, Mumbai – the commercial hub of India, on February 5, 2014. Six of Drukair’s10 destinations are now in India. The new route between Paro International Airport and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport will commence operations from May 1, 2014. The three-hour flight will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.
Commenting on their heightened presence in India, Damcho Rinzin, international travel, trade and PR of, Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), said, “The Tourism Council of Bhutan is confident that the number of Indian and expat travellers to the Kingdom will sharply increase from the West and South of India with the introduction of these flights as passengers can now inter-change at Mumbai for a direct flight. The launch of operations will also further enhance the Kingdom of Bhutan’s image as a destination for luxury and special occasion segments such as wedding, honeymoon, anniversaries and other celebratory occasions.”
Drukair is the only airline operating from Bhutan to the financial capital of India and will provide a key gateway point for both business and leisure travellers.
According to the Tandin Jamtso, chief executive officer, Drukair, said, “Drukair is delighted to launch its maiden service to Mumbai, one of the busiest cities of India. By offering this connection to passengers, we are confident that this new route will become immensely popular with our travellers.”
The aircraft are configured with 16 seats in business class and 102 seats in economy class. TCB and Drukair, together with Taj Tashi Bhutan along with few other local tour operators will conduct road shows in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata to promote Bhutan as an upmarket destination and also to network with travel trade members.
The Tourism Council of Bhutan is keen to promote Bhutan in the Indian market given the proximity of the two countries, and is optimistic about tourists experiencing and enjoying Bhutan’s beauty, culture and hospitality. Unlike international visitors, Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Bhutan and can acquire a visitor’s permit upon arrival.
