After a break of almost 2 years, the Kingdom of Bhutan is getting ready to welcome tourists in a full fledged reopening. It reopens from the 23rd September 2022 with a renewed focus on sustainability. Also key focus shall remain on infrastructure and services, travel experience of the tourists and the overall environmental impact of tourism activities.
Quite a few revisions have been made in the previous standards. These sustain mainly to hotels, travel guides, tour operators and drivers. All of them will have to pass through an upgraded certification process to handle tourists. Skill development programs will be made compulsory so as to improve the quality of service.
Amid the intensifying threat of climate change, Bhutan will also be stepping up its efforts to keep the country carbon-negative and a green destination for tourists. The nation is keenly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as frequent rain and floods.
Also in order to keep the country carbon-negative and a green destination for all tourists, the Sustainable Development Fees has been increased from USD 65 to USD 200 per person per night. This fund is utilized to negate the carbon footprint of the tourists as well as training the workers. Indian nationals will however continue to pay the previously stipulated fee till any further announcement.
The Minimum Daily Package Rate will now be revoked as it limited the travel options. The rate refers to the minimum sum paid by all tourists for an all-inclusive package tour to Bhutan. Tourists are welcome to chose whatever tourism services they wish to enjoy and pay accordingly.
