Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay told CNBC on May 10 that Bhutan may reconsider its controversial $100 daily travel fee if the country’s tourism industry recovers soon.
But he said the cost could be higher.
Bhutan reopened its borders in September 2022 and increased its “sustainable development fee” to US$200 per person per day. In 2023, the country lowered fees to entice travelers to stay longer, then halved fees across the board.
this Current daily cost It’s $100 for adults and $50 for children ages 6 to 12, and is described as a “limited time incentive” valid until August 31, 2027, according to the Bhutanese Immigration Department.
But Togay said the fee amount could change before that date.
“Our tourist quota is 300,000,” Togai said. “We may even have to raise sustainable fees if the demand for tourists to Bhutan far exceeds our ability to welcome them.”
“This would be a welcome development,” he added.
International travelers slowly return
Bhutan’s tourism industry has been recovering more slowly than other countries in Asia – something Togai said he expected to change soon.
“When we start marketing our country and what’s available … I think there will be a beeline for Bhutan,” he said.
The annual report released by the Bhutan Tourism Council shows that Bhutan received 315,599 international tourists in 2019, 73% of which were from India.
Togai told CNBC that the country received about 130,000 tourists last year.
Bhutan aims to receive 300,000 tourists a year, half of which are from “third countries” and “paying tourists”. declaration People’s Democratic Party from Togai.
According to the Ministry of Immigration, Indian tourists only pay a reduced fee of 1,200 Bhutanese ngultrum ($14.50) per night, while day-trippers from India are exempt from this fee.
Cost changes after COVID-19
Before Bhutan closed its borders in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, travelers had to pay daily package fees starting at US$200 per day. The fee typically includes hotel, transportation and guide fees, as well as a mandatory USD 65 sustainability fee.
Now, these fees are in addition to the $100 sustainability fee.
Togai admitted that changes to Bhutan’s sustainable development fee had caused “a lot of confusion”. However, he said he believed the current exchange rate of $100 would allow the country to achieve its recovery goals soon.
“Honestly, I think a lot of tourists are willing to pay the $200 a day sustainability fee,” he said, especially “when guests find out that the proceeds from the sustainability fee are used to protect our natural environment and provide free services to tourists. Education and free healthcare are provided to our citizens.
“Most tourists are happy that they can play a small part – a meaningful small part – in the sustainable development of Bhutan,” Togai told CNBC.
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