Bhutan reduces daily tourist charge

[Mattg]

Bhutan is one of the more difficult countries in Asia to visit because it requires tourists to spend a minimum amount per day on a tour package in order to get a visa. But most reports from those who've been are that it's totally worth it, with happy people and great nature.

The daily tourism charge is now being halved to USD100 for four years.

Bhutan cuts daily tourist fee by half to lure more visitors

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is to halve the $200 daily fee it charges tourists in an effort to boost a sector still struggling to recover a year after the end of COVID-19 restrictions.

www.reuters.com

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is to halve the $200 daily fee it charges tourists in an effort to boost a sector still struggling to recover a year after the end of COVID-19 restrictions.

Bhutan raised its "Sustainable Development Fee" to $200 per visitor per night, from $65, when it ended two years of COVID restrictions in September last year saying the money would go to off-set the carbon generated by visitors.

The new rate of $100 per night would come into effect from September and last for four years, the government said in a statement late on Friday.

"This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment, earning foreign exchange ... and in boosting overall economic growth," it said.

Isolated for generations, Bhutan opened to tourists in 1974 when it received 300 visitors. The number soared to 315,600 in 2019, up 15.1% from a year earlier, official data showed.

 

[kyle]

Country running out of money and needs the tourist $?

 

[Scarlett]

That’s good news. Have been planning to get there for a couple of years. Eventually will. Hopefully at a point where the AUD v USD is a little better than it is now.

If I recall correctly that SDF payment is wrapped up in the cost of a tour package so not a complete ‘on top of’ payment.

Interesting statement from Bhutan in a related Reuters article about the SDF: “Authorities say the SDF is designed to attract wealthy tourists by discouraging budget travelers who spoil the environment. The funds maintain the pristine landscape and off-set the carbon footprints left by visitors.” The Bhutanese ‘no bogans’ rule!

 

[tdimdad]

Interesting statement from Bhutan in a related Reuters article about the SDF: “Authorities say the SDF is designed to attract wealthy tourists by discouraging budget travelers who spoil the environment. The funds maintain the pristine landscape and off-set the carbon footprints left by visitors.” The Bhutanese ‘no bogans’ rule!

That's in interesting statement, indeed. I'd offer it may also be counterintuitive. There is plenty of upscale tourism which wastes resources and produces waste much more than conscious budget travel would.

If they wanted to target the levy to protect their environment, it would be a charge for the resources used & non-compostable waste produced. But that'd be more difficult to administer and charge correctly when people roam around.

 

[k_sheep]

I've got a Thailand conference coming up so I'll be in the neighborhood - Bhutan has been on my bucket list for ages but it is hideously expensive.

Anyone have recommendations for tour companies? Since it seems impossible to DIY ....