Excited To Travel To Bhutan This September? First, Gear Up To Pay Triple Tourist Tax. Deets Inside

Bhutan is all geared up to welcome its tourists from 23rd September onwards but with increased tourism tax for all travellers. Read all details right here.

Author: Travel Staff Edited by: Jigyasa Sahay

Published: July 16, 2022, 12:38 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/lifestyle/bhutan-reopen-tourism-increased-tourism-tax-sdf-what-it-means-details-inside-5516078/ Copy

Indians were not charged anything before the pandemic began, but rules specify that they now have to pay a sum of Rs 1200.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri – La on earth, Bhutan is gearing up to reopen its tourism for the world from September 23 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID pandemic. Bhutan has always been one of the most loved places by tourists owing to its natural bounties and blissful respites. The way of the world changed drastically after the pandemic. The tourism industry, especially, suffered a massive setback. Many countries are still reeling under economic stress due to the coronavirus-induced restrictions and lockdowns. Bhutan, which had cancelled the entry of international travellers for over two years, is preparing to open its tourism industry. As Bhutan is set to greet tourists from September end, all travellers will have to pay extra tourism tax to enter the country.

Dr. Tandi Dorji, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Tourism Council of Bhutan, said, “Covid-19 has allowed us to reset, to rethink how the sector can be best structured and operated, so that it not only benefits Bhutan economically, but socially as well, while keeping carbon footprints low. In the long run, our goal is to create high-value experiences for visitors, and well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens. ”

What is the latest SDF and what does it mean?

The SDF is a development fee, paid to the government of Bhutan for maintaining the ecosystem of the country the traveler going to explore. It is for the welfare of the state ecology as well as for the local community.

• The SDF has increased almost triple fold, from $65 to $200 per person per day.
• For Indians, the SDF will remain the same at 1,200 Bhutanese ngultrum as of now but the stipulated fee will be revised at a later date. So, keep a check on the government website before you plan your trip
• The increased tourist tax has been levied to offset the carbon footprint in tourism and enhance workers’ skills in the industry.
• The fees will go towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and building a more sustainable tourism sector.
• At the same time, the Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR) will be removed. The rate refers to the minimum sum paid by all tourists for an all-inclusive package tour to Bhutan. The MDPR has in the past often limited the tourist experience, as travelers could only choose packaged tours provided by tour operators.

The reason why Bhutan is known as the Last Shangri-La in the first place is because of its natural beauty, rich culture and heritage and sustainable development. The country has believed in ‘High Value, Low Volume tourism policy.

As published in the New York Times, the officials say, will rebrand Bhutan as “an exclusive destination,” attracting “discerning tourists” who will have access to a wider range of higher-quality services.