Bhutan, off-limited to tourists during the Covid-19 pandemic, reopened its doors on September 23, 2022. The reopening of the border also came with a revised Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), of USD$65 to USD$200 per night for foreign tourists.
Bhutan’s fascinating and vibrant culture is as brilliant as its breathtaking mountainous landscape.
Bhutan, the lush Himalayan kingdom of magic and myth, is teeming with natural beauty, a vibrant culture, spiritual and historical sites, and daring adventure.
Bhutan has had a “high-value, low-volume tourism policy” since 1974 to promote its distinctive culture and reduce carbon footprints.
Bhutan’s high-value, low-volume tourism strategy aims to support the country’s repositioning as one of the world’s most upscale vacation destinations by providing high-value experiences to visitors.
Norbu Bhutan Travel personalizes your trip to your and simplifies your planning for not just any journey but the one with the exceptional experiences you seek.
What is Bhutan’s High-Value, Low-Volume Tourism Policy?
High-value, Low-volume tourism
Bhutan’s “high-value, low-volume tourism” policy includes significant revenue and profits for the host country and an exclusive intangible experience for the tourist.
In essence, Bhutan’s tourism models (are designed to attract the highest-spending visitors possible). They provide good value-for-money experiences, ensuring high revenue and profit per capita tourists.
By advertising and promoting to travelers who share Bhutan’s values, Bhutan aims to attract visitors with mindsets and intentions that will rebuild tourism to be sustainable, resilient, and thriving.
What is the purpose of Bhutan’s Revised High-Value, Low Volume Tourism?
Revised tourism policy & Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Bhutan has remained a carbon-neutral and intriguing travel destination, with a level of mystery that has provided a cachet of curiosity.
However, the unsettling and transformative times brought about by climate change, and the Covid-19 pandemic are forcing countries worldwide to reconsider and revise their travel policies.
To keep its title as the world’s only carbon-negative country, Bhutan must return to its core principle of “High-Value, Low Volume Tourism.”
Bhutan must return to its core values and manage the quality of the travel experience to maintain its status as the only carbon-negative country in the world.
What Is Included in the New “High-Value Low Volume Tourism Policy”?
Bhutan opens for tourists with Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
When a tourist visits Bhutan for a sightseeing tour or trekking, the costs, which include Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), hotels, a guide, transportation, sightseeing, and meals, can be as follows:
- USD 350-USD 385 per person per day for groups
- Couples: approximately USD 400 – USD 450 per person per day
- USD 450 – USD 500 per day for solo travelers
The prices shown above are our best estimates, which may change depending on factors such as lodging, transportation, and food.
Tourists can also travel to Bhutan for $200 per person daily and then book accommodations through reputable tour operators. You can also travel by bus or taxi, but you must have a guide with you at all times while sightseeing.
Revised Sustainable Development Fee(SDF)
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 200 per night
Children under five are exempt from paying the sustainable development fee (SDF), and children aged six to twelve pay only USD 100 per day. The new high-value, low-volume policy eliminates all other discounts based on visit length, student status, or tour guide status.
Bhutan will embark on new opportunities or face adversity due to this decision. However, raising people’s income is unquestionably the primary goal.
Many countries are already considering adopting Bhutan’s former minimum Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) pricing policy for travel to mitigate the negative effects of mass tourism and protect their environment and culture.
Regarding welcoming tourists and visitors to her untouched beauty, Bhutan continues to forge her path.
However, with a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 200 per night, it will undoubtedly put the post-pandemic market to the test, setting new standards for tour operators and the Bhutanese hospitality industry in general.
It is up to the hospitality industry to provide exclusive services to encourage more people to visit.
Is Bhutan worth USD200 per day?
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) policies
The short answer to “is Bhutan worth USD 200 daily?” seems to be yes, according to the 5,790 tourists who visited the country from September 23 to October 12, 2022.
One of the primary drivers behind the revision of SDF pricing was the goal to reinvest SDF in the tourism industry to raise the bar for guides, hotels, meals, hygiene, and other aspects of the industry.
With improved tourism infrastructure, Bhutan will develop a true “high value, low volume” high-end tourism industry emphasizing long-term sustainability and decreasing carbon footprints.
Concluding Thoughts
More than any other event in Bhutan’s history, the unexpected adoption of the tourism policy to increase the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) has piqued interest abroad.
Bhutan’s revised “high value, low volume” tourism policy and SDF fees offer environmentally conscious travelers the most exclusive and luxurious travel experiences.
Keep up with the most recent travel news with us before making travel information to Bhutan.
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