In a Press Release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Royal Government of Bhutan will be issuing gratis visas and waive tourists fees for all interested media organisations wishing to cover the celebrations.
PRESS RELEASE
Formal Coronation of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan
The people and the Royal Government of Bhutan will celebrate the formal Coronation of His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, from 6 to 8 November, 2008.
The Coronation Ceremony will be held on 6 November in the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Golden Throne at Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu. His Majesty will deliver the coronation Address to the Nation at the celebration grounds of Changlimithang stadium on 7 November. The celebrations will continue on 8 November 2008 at the same venue.
The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to inform all interested media organizations that the government will issue gratis visas and waive tourist fees to those wishing to cover the celebrations. A Media Centre for their use, equipped with modern communication facilities, will be established and every effort will be made to facilitate their coverage of the events.
Media organizations are advised to make their travel arrangements through a registered Bhutanese Tour Operator (BTO). The list and details of such tour operators are available at http://www.tourism.gov.bt/bhutan/tour-operators and http://www.abto.org.bt/. The tour operator will make necessary logistical arrangements, including accommodation, transportation and acquiring formal accreditation to cover the celebrations.
Attached herewith is Media Guidelines for Coronation Celebrations 2008 for more details.
For further information and assistance, they may contact the following:
Mr. Kinzang Dorji C
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Telephone: +975-2-322118
Mobile: +975-17621179
Fax: +975-2322079
E-mail: kinzangdo@mfa.gov.bt
Mr. Yeshey
Ministry of Information and Communications
Telephone: +975-2-322567
Mobile: +975-17624264
Fax: +975-2-328154
E-mail: yarphel@gmail.com
Ms. Pema Tshomo
Asia Desk III
Asia Division, Department of Bilateral Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Telephone: 975-2-322771/322459/322278
Fax: 975-2-323240
E-mail: pematshomo@mfa.gov.bt
MEDIA GUIDELINES FOR THE CORONATION CELEBRATIONS 2008
1 – Accreditation of media personnel during the Coronation Celebrations 2008
1.1 – Media personnel (photographers/cameramen, reporters, etc) desiring to have access to any official event during the Coronation Celebrations 2008 must be accredited by the Bhutan Infocomm and Media authority (BICMA).
1.2 – All media personnel should provide the following to their respective Bhutanese Tour Operator (BTO) when applying for accreditation: company profile of the news organization they represent, endorsement letter from the organization, CV, and name and passport details of the personnel.
1.3 – The concerned BTO shall acquire accreditation oh behalf of the media personnel.
1.4 – No accreditation fees shall be charged.
2 – Special Considerations for media personnel accredited by BICMA to cover the Coronation Celebrations 2008
2.1 – Media personnel accredited by BICMA shall be exempted from payment of royalties, visa and accreditation fees. However, all media personnel should book their travel to Bhutan through a registered BTO in Bhutan.
3 – Planning Travel to Bhutan
3.1 – To travel to Bhutan, contact any BTO in Bhutan. The list and details of registered BTOs are available at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/bhutan/tour-operators and http://www.abto.org.bt/
3.2 – BTOs shall arrange all logistics, including travel, local transportation and hotel bookings, and acquire accreditation, visa permits and security cards on behalf of the media personnel.
3.3 – On completion of the accreditation formalities, BTOs shall finalize the travel itinerary including the actual cost to be borne by media agency/personnel on account of lodging, transportation and service fees of the BTOs.
4 – Arrival
4.1 – BTOs shall be responsible for receiving the media personnel at the Paro International Airport or at other locations, and for arranging local hospitality.
4.2 – BTOs shall arrange programs as per the interest of the media personnel.
5 – Coronation Ceremony
5.1 – A press Conference will be held on 5th November at a location to be confirmed closer to the date.
5.2 – Volunteer Guides shall accompany and assist media personnel during the Celebrations.
5.3 – The Royal Government of Bhutan/BTOs will provide the transportation to and from event venues.
5.4 – A media centre, equipped with communication facilities, shall be established.
5.5 – Media galleries shall be set up in major event venues.
6 – Media Coverage in the Throne Room for designated media organizations
6.1 – A small area shall be identified in the Throne Room for designated media.
6.2 – Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation (BBSC) will provide a live coverage of the Throne Room Ceremony.
6.3 – Except for the designated media, no other media shall be permitted in the Throne Room.