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Structure of Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators

Strengthening Tour Operator Associations in Bhutan and Costa Rica, a Bilateral Project Implemented by Association of Bhutanese

Tour Operators and Ecole Experience under the Programme for South South Cooperation.

2008-2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Report objective 1 1.2 Methodology 1 1.2.1 Case selection 1 1.2.2 Sources of Information 1 1.2.3 Result presentation 2 1.3 Report structure 22. BACKGROUND ON BHUTAN AND ABTO 3 2.1 Bhutan’s tourism industry 3 2.2 Current ABTO structure 3 2.2.1 Organization 3 2.2.2 The Secretariat 4 2.2.3 Membership 4 2.3 ABTO’s services and mandates 5 2.3.1 Current services 5 2.3.2 Liaison with other industry bodies and stakeholders 5 2.3.3 Training and capacity building for members 5 2.3.4 Research new products and packages for operators 6 2.3.5 Research and publication of information for members 6 2.3.6 Marketing its members and Bhutan 6 2.4 Summary 63. INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES 7 3.1 ITOC 7 3.1.1 Mandates 7 3.1.2 Organizational structures 7 3.1.3 Services 7 3.1.4 Website and Publications 8 3.2 JITOA 8 3.2.1 Mandates 9 3.2.2 Organizational structures 9 3.2.3 Services 9 3.2.4 Website and Publications 10 3.3 IAATO 10 3.3.1 Mandates 10 3.3.2 Organizational structure 11 3.3.3 Services 11 3.3.4 Website and Publications 12 3.4 NATO 12 3.4.1 Mandates 12 3.4.2 Organizational structure 13 3.4.3 Services 13 3.4.4 Website and publications 13 3.5 BTIA 13 3.5.1 Mandates 13 3.5.2 Organizational structures 14 3.5.3 Services 15 3.5.4 Website and Publications 15 3.6 Summary of Cases and Additional Examples 16 3.6.1 Mandates 16 3.6.2 Organizational structures 16 3.6.3 Services 17 3.6.4 Website and publications 17 3.6.5 Summary 174. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 18 4.1 Conclusion 18 4.2 Recommendations 18 4.2.1 Working groups 18 4.2.2 Membership structure 18 4.2.3 Memorandum’s of Understanding 19 4.2.4 Research capabilities 20 4.2.5 Member’s only website 20 4.2.6 Strategic planning 20 4.2.7Qualitycertificationforoperators 21 4.2.7 Marketing and Brand Development 225. BIBLIOGRAPHY 23 5.1 Sources 23 5.2 List of Associations 23

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P. O. Box: 938Thimphu : Bhutanwww.abto.org.bt