NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
The official launch of AVIS Bhutan, a car rental platform, by SoulTrips marks the beginning of a new era in premium mobility travel in Bhutan, offering high-quality, chauffeur-driven car rental services tailored to the needs of both business and leisure travellers.
This initiative is expected to enhance the overall travel experience in the country by providing safe, comfortable, and efficient transportation options to visitors and corporate clients.
With its daily car-hire services, AVIS Bhutan will provide a fleet of well-maintained vehicles, including all-terrain SUVs for rugged landscapes, spacious minivans that accommodated up to six passengers, and comfortable Coaster buses with seating capacity for 22 people.
These options will cater to different travel needs, whether for tourists exploring Bhutan’s scenic landscapes or for business professionals attending meetings and conferences.
Additionally, MICE Bhutan, a business division of SoulTrips, will offer specialized vehicle charter services for corporate events, international delegations, and business travellers. This service aims to bridge the gap in premium transportation in Bhutan by ensuring that travellers experience seamless mobility across the country.
One of the key reasons for launching AVIS Bhutan was Bhutan’s unique travel regulations for foreign visitors. Unlike in many other countries, international tourists were not allowed to drive on Bhutanese roads unless they obtained a special driving permit, which was restricted to the regions of Paro and Thimphu.
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain, high-altitude roads, and winding paths required skilled navigation, making it necessary for foreign visitors to hire a licensed driver and be accompanied by a certified tour guide at all times.
These regulations were introduced to enhance road safety and allow tourists to fully enjoy Bhutan’s beauty without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and traffic conditions.
AVIS Bhutan addressed this issue by providing professionally trained chauffeurs who were experienced in handling Bhutan’s demanding roads and unpredictable weather. By joining the AVIS global network, AVIS Bhutan gained access to international best practices and training programs, which were implemented to enhance the skills and professionalism of its chauffeur team.
Speaking on the occasion, Lizam Dorji, Head of MICE Bhutan, stated, “AVIS is a globally recognized leader in the car rental industry, known for its commitment to customer satisfaction.”
Lizam said by joining AVIS’ global network, we gain access to their best practices and training programs. “Our premium chauffeur services will provide an extra layer of luxury and convenience, ensuring a comfortable and seamless travel experience.”
As Bhutan prepares for major developments, such as the construction of the Gelephu International Airport and the establishment of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the demand for long-term car leasing services is expected to rise.
To meet this growing need, AVIS Bhutan introduced AVIS Car Lease, which provided well-maintained vehicles with comprehensive insurance coverage for long-term residents, business travelers, and corporate clients. This service is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and expatriates who need reliable transportation without the burden of vehicle ownership.
AVIS Bhutan partnered with Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL) to offer Motor Comprehensive Insurance and Domestic Travel Insurance for leased vehicles. These insurance policies ensure that clients will enjoy robust protection throughout their leasing period, whether for business or personal use.
The Motor Comprehensive Insurance policy covers the damage to the leased vehicle, bodily injury or death of passengers traveling in the vehicle, the third-party property damage, third-party bodily injury or death and loss of vehicle due to theft.
Additionally, the Domestic Travel Insurance policy enhances overall security, while an optional Personal Accident Policy is available for extra coverage, providing greater peace of mind to customers.
To further expand its services, AVIS Bhutan aims to collaborate with five-star hotels, global car manufacturers, and distributors to create a premium transportation network. Tourists arriving at Paro International Airport could pre-book an AVIS airport pick-up or request a chauffeur-driven ride from any hotel in Bhutan.
