𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋- 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬

As Bhutan continues to navigate its path out of the economic shadows cast by COVID-19, the renewed focus on the hotel industry through targeted interest subsidies and restructuring measures is a step in the right direction. It acknowledges that certain sectors- particularly those central to tourism and employment- require tailored support to regain momentum. However, focusing narrowly on one sector risks excluding other equally distressed segments of the economy that also generate vital employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

The hospitality sector has long served as a pillar of Bhutan’s economic development. It supports thousands of jobs and is intimately tied to tourism, one of the country’s main revenue streams. The financial pressures faced by hoteliers due to prolonged closure, low tourist arrivals, and delayed renovations have been widely reported. Interest subsidies and loan restructuring, if designed with fairness and accountability, will indeed provide necessary relief.

Yet, to build a truly resilient economy, the government must broaden its recovery lens. Other sectors that create employment and form the scaffolding of Bhutan’s service economy remain underrepresented in the national conversation. One such example is the mainstream media industry.

Mainstream media- newspapers, broadcast outlets, and digital news organizations- continues to play a crucial public role while operating under increasing financial duress. During the pandemic, the media provided essential updates, debunked misinformation, and helped bridge the gap between public agencies and the people. Despite this, many outlets now struggle to sustain operations due to sharp declines in advertising revenue and increasing production costs.

What often goes unnoticed is that these media houses are not just platforms for information but also employers. They provide jobs to journalists, editors, designers, technicians, and administrative personnel- many of whom are young graduates. The media industry has served as a professional launchpad for hundreds of youths, offering not only employment but also the opportunity to engage critically with national affairs. A stimulus plan that overlooks this sector runs the risk of weakening both the economy and democratic institutions.

Beyond media and hospitality, retail and small commercial establishments such as clothing stores, bookshops, appliance dealers, and grocery wholesalers are another group that has silently endured the brunt of post-COVID economic fatigue. These businesses generate significant employment, especially in urban areas, and support multiple layers of supply chains. Their recovery has been slow, and many continue to operate at reduced margins, facing difficulties in servicing loans, paying rents, and maintaining staff salaries.

Transport service providers- including local logistics firms, taxi cooperatives, and regional travel operators- also fall within this group. These are businesses that do not only move people and goods but also sustain employment for thousands of drivers, mechanics, and logistics coordinators. Their operational recovery is critical to supporting the wider tourism and trade ecosystem.

Countries that have adopted a sector-sensitive but inclusive approach to recovery have fared better in ensuring a balanced economic rebound. For instance, Singapore’s Jobs Support Scheme extended wage subsidies to employers across key industries, including tourism, transport, and media, recognizing their role in retaining employment and stimulating spending. Bhutan must consider similar mechanisms- grant support, targeted subsidies, and soft loans- for all businesses that actively contribute to employment generation.

The upcoming implementation of the Tourist Registration System (TRS) offers a valuable opportunity to gather real-time data and inform future policy decisions. However, its utility must go beyond identifying hotel occupancy trends. Integrated data from all sectors- media, retail, transport, and small commercial enterprises- can help shape a more responsive and equitable stimulus program.

Economic resilience is not built by propping up one sector while others remain on life support. The government’s current efforts, while appreciated, must expand to include all employment-generating sectors that are struggling to find their footing. This includes those not always in the spotlight but vital to the day-to-day function of country’s economy.

If Bhutan is to build forward better, it must do so collectively. A recovery rooted in inclusion, where every productive sector is given the chance to survive and thrive, will be the country’s strongest shield against future shocks.