Bhutan Reopens In September With Increased Daily Tourist Tax

The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has been closed to tourists since the pandemic began more than two years ago. However, officials advised on June 30 that Bhutan is reopening to international travelers from September this year. Meanwhile, the country is hoping to revive its economy by increasing tourist tax, having been without visitors for so long.

Bhutan to reopen to international travelers

According to officials in Bhutan, the tiny Himalayan kingdom is set to reopen to international travelers in September this year. Meanwhile, the country is wedged between India and China and offers incredibly scenic landscapes and ancient Buddhist culture.

However, in March 2020, after the first COVID-19 case was detected there, Bhutan immediately took action. The country banned tourism, which is a major source of income for Bhutan. Meanwhile, during the pandemic, the country of fewer than 800,000 people reported less than 60,000 infections and only 21 deaths. However, Bhutan’s $3 billion economy has contracted over the last two fiscal years, placing many people in poverty.

Tourism charges for international visitors

According to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) international travelers will be welcome to visit from September 23, 2022. However, they will be charged a Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per tourist per night. This is up from the $65 charged for the last three decades. While this might sound steep, officials explained that the higher fee would offset tourists’ carbon impact on the country.

Tandi Dorji, TCB chairman and Bhutan’s Foreign Minister said in a statement:

COVID-19 has allowed us to reset — to rethink how the sector can be best structured and operated… while keeping carbon footprints low.

In the meantime, Bhutan authorities have revised standards for service providers, including tour guides, tour operators, drivers and hotels. Meanwhile, tourism in the country employs 50,000 people and contributes an annual average of around $84 million in direct foreign exchange in the three years prior to the pandemic.

Tourism in Bhutan

The Himalayan kingdom first opened to high-end tourists in 1974, during which year they welcomed 300 visitors. According to CNN, in 2019, that number soared to 315,600, which TCB data showed was 15 percent up from the previous year.

According to tour operators, travelers will be free to choose their own operators and plan their itineraries. Meanwhile, previously, tourists could choose only from the packages offered by their tour operators.

Bhutan is ‘excited’ to welcome wealthy travelers again

Speaking of the higher tax for tourists, Sangay Phuntso, who owns the Always Bhutan Travel company in the country’s capital Thimphu, said the fees may deter some visitors. However, he explained that this will not be the case for wealthier travelers. Saying they are excited, Phuntso said that those who can spend are welcome, adding, “We are excited.”

Obviously, travelers on a normal, everyday budget will have a problem coming up with $200 tax per person, per day. This, unfortunately, places this beautiful Himalayan country out of the reach of most of us “normal” folk.