Bhutan will welcome tourists from September 23, charging 200 USD, three times higher than the current level of 65 USD.
On June 30, the Tourism Board of Bhutan (TCB) announced that it would reopen to international visitors from September 23, after nearly 30 months of border closure to prevent Covid-19. Visitors need to pay a Sustainable Development fee of 200 USD/night, which is three times higher than the fee charged before the epidemic.
Located between China and India, Bhutan attracts tourists thanks to its beautiful natural scenery and slow, peaceful life. Photo: CNN
Explaining the reason for this increase, Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji said the new fee is necessary to offset the impact of tourists on the environment. In addition, the country also restructured the tourism industry, adjusting the standards for service providers such as hotels, guides, tour operators and drivers to bring the best experiences.
Travel agencies say tourists will be free to choose a tour guide and plan their own itinerary. Previously they could only choose from tour packages provided by the operator.
Sangay Phuntso, manager of Always Bhutan Travel Company in the capital Thimphu, said the fee could make some visitors "falter". But this will not affect the rich guests.
Tourism is one of the country's main sources of income. Therefore, when the country closed in March 2020, the economy shrank, many people faced difficulties. Before the epidemic, the tourism industry brought in nearly $84 million a year and 50,000 jobs.
