In a bid to attract international tourists, the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan has decided to reduce its daily tourist fee from $200 (INR 16,509) to $100 (INR 8,254). The kingdom has taken a decision to boost the tourism sector which is still waiting and trying to recover even one year after the end of the COVID-19.
In September 2022, soon after the end of COVID-19 restrictions, Bhutan decided to increase its “Sustainable Development Fee” to $200 per night from $65. The country justified the money by saying that it would be used to offset the carbon generated by visitors.
But the new tourist tax has only brought in more tourists to the country. But now, once again, Bhutan is hoping that lower prices will boost number of arrivals. The new tax would come into effect from September and last for four years, the government said in a statement.
The statement said, “This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment, earning foreign exchange and in boosting overall economic growth”. For those who don’t know, Bhutan has remained isolated for years and generations. It was in 1974 that the country opened to tourism and welcomed 300 visitors. But in 2019, that number reached 315,600, according to official data.
Bhutan, a beautiful Himalayan country, home to many monasteries, often attracts travelers from all over the world. But the COVID-19 ban has had a major impact on the country’s tourism sector and the tourist tax has limited the number of tourists and big spenders.
Dorji Dhradhul, director general of the Department of Tourism, said the discount could boost arrivals during the peak tourist season from September to December. He also said that more than 56,000 tourists have visited Bhutan since January. Among them, about 42,000 are Indians, who pay only INR 1,200 ($14.5) per day.
