Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Bhutan's Stay Longer Save More Offer For Toutirsts.
By any measure, Bhutan is an incredibly unique country. Situated in the majestic eastern Himalayas and bordered by China and India, this remote mountain kingdom stands as the sole remaining haven of Mahayana Buddhist culture in the entire Himalayan region.
The influence of this ancient tradition permeates every aspect of life in Bhutan. In 1974, Bhutan opened its doors to the world, and since then, the current King has implemented a deliberate policy to preserve the country's traditional culture and unspoiled environment, successfully shielding them from external influences. So far, this approach has been remarkably successful.
Bhutan offers breathtaking landscapes, mesmerizing monasteries, and numerous attractions, catering to the happiness of both residents and tourists. However, when the country decided to reopen its borders to visitors after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it introduced a significant fee known as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Under the SDF, Indian tourists were required to pay $ 65 (Rs 1,200) per person per day, while other nationalities were charged $ 200 (Rs 16,000) per person per day, in addition to travel and accommodation expenses. These factors had a profound impact on Bhutan's tourism industry, prompting the government to introduce incentives to encourage travelers to visit the country.
Now, the Bhutanese tourism industry aims to attract visitors by offering a boost. Starting from June 2023 (applicable from June 1) until the end of 2024, all travelers spending a minimum of five nights in the country can avoid paying certain daily tourist fees. The longer the stay, the more savings they can enjoy.
This announcement, featured on Bhutan's tourism department website, has gained significant attention. As per the new scheme, travelers who pay the SDF for the first four days will receive an additional four days of complimentary stay. Likewise, those who pay for the first seven days can stay for an extra seven days without incurring charges for the second week. Furthermore, individuals who pay for 12 days will be exempt from fees for the following 18 days.
To assist potential travelers in calculating their potential savings under the incentive programs, Bhutan's Immigration Department is working on creating a website. While the loss to the country's economy is a concern, this initiative is expected to boost tourism revenue and has generated considerable enthusiasm among prospective visitors.
