Bhutan Is Ready To Welcome Tourists From September 23, 2022
Bhutan is finally opening its doors to Tourists after almost two and half years. After the first COVID-19 case was detected in March of 2020 the country closed its boundaries to visitors. Now the wait is finally over, according to The Tourism Council, Bhutan will reopen its borders to tourists from September 23rd, 2022.
Additionally, a day after the Parliament passed the new Tourism Levy Bill 2022. Now, Sustainable Development Fee per tourist per night is USD 200 from USD 65. The Council stated that Indian tourists, for now, will pay the previously imposed fee of Nu 1,200 per person per night. The rate is set to be changed later on. According to the Tourism Council, the sector is sustaining a major remodeling.
Big Buddha statue in Bhutan Himalayas mountain
As, per the new bill, the charge per night will at least be USD 450 except for those who have confirmed their travel dates before June 20. This new bill is revamped to identify the country as an exclusive and deluxe destination.
The council removed the Minimum Daily Package Rate of USD 250 paid by a tourist for an all-inclusive packaged tour to Bhutan. As it often limited the tourist acquaintance and experience to the packaged tours provided by tour operators. Furthermore, a tourist must have a compulsory tour guide while traveling the country.
According to the council, the revenue from Sustainable Development Fee is invested in three major sections. The SDF will also be used for activities that will promote carbon-neutral tourism.
The new standards for service providers include hotels, guides, tour operators, drivers, etc. These administrations provide competence and re-skilling programs for the employees of these sectors to boost service quality and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
