Bhutan is now open for international tourists

Starting September 22, foreign tourists aiming to visit Bhutan should know that officials put in place a set of new regulations. Among them, officials have increased the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from USD$65 to USD$200 per person, per night, in order for tourism to support the Kingdom’s development plans, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, environment conservation, people training and so on.

“Bhutan’s noble policy of high-value, low-volume tourism has existed since we started welcoming guests to our country in 1974. But its intent and spirit were watered down over the years, without us even realizing it.

“Therefore, as we reset as a nation after this pandemic, and officially open our doors to visitors today, we are reminding ourselves about the essence of the policy, the values and merits that have defined us for generations,” commented Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering.

However, during the Covid-19 outbreak, officials boosted infrastructure, attractions, improved roads, trails, public amenities, as well as made sure that tourism employees will be more prepared to welcome visitors by organizing training programs.

The kingdom will keep promoting tourism under the Brand Bhutan campaign targeting youngsters.

The Prime Minister further explained:

“We must also ensure that we are a high value society, one that is infused with sincerity, integrity and principles, where people must always live in safe communities, among serene environments and derive comfort from the finest facilities.

“Typically, ‘high value’ is understood as exclusive high-end products and extravagant recreational facilities. But that is not Bhutan. And ‘low volume’ doesn’t mean limiting the number of visitors. We will appreciate everyone who visits us to treasure our values, while we also learn as much from them. [...]

“If that is what you are searching for, there is no limit or restriction. The best conduit to realizing our vision are our youth and professionals in the tourism industry. While those working in the tourism sector will represent us at the forefront, the entire nation is the tourism industry, and every Bhutanese a host. The minimum fee we are asking our friends to pay is to be reinvested in ourselves, the place of our meeting, which will be our shared asset for generations. Welcome to Bhutan.”

Bhutan is a carbon negative country, fully committed to sustainability.

 

source: travelpulse.com