Bhutan to introduce world’s highest tourist levy of USD 200

Dhaka: The little Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will be introducing the highest tourist levy in the world, when its borders finally reopen on September 23.

Tourists will have to pay a “sustainable development fee” of USD 200 per person per day.

The move is aimed at encouraging “high value, low volume” tourism, maximising economic benefits while limiting the impact on Bhutan’s traditional culture.

“Covid-19 has allowed us to reset — to rethink how the sector can be best structured and operated, so that it not only benefits Bhutan economically, but socially as well, while keeping carbon footprints low,” said Tandi Dorji, Foreign Minister and Chair of the Tourism Council of Bhutan, as he announced the new policy.

“In the long run, our goal is to create high-value experiences for visitors, and well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens,” he added.

He claimed the fee will be used to offset carbon emissions by planting trees and investing in hydropower and electric vehicles, as well as to fund community-led tourism projects.

However, tour operators are criticising the move, saying it risks stifling the sector’s much-needed recovery.

World Expeditions said the move will push the price of one of its most popular trips, the 27-day Snowman trek, by 50 per cent, from GBP 5,890 to almost GBP 9,000.

Tourism to the country was already highly controlled. Previously visitors from countries other than Bangladesh, India and the Maldives had to book guided package tours rather than travel independently and pay a “minimum daily package price” of between USD 200 and USD 290 per night. From that USD 65 went to the government, and the rest towards the travel arrangements.

Under the new scheme, visitors will have more flexibility, being able to book hotels and guides direct rather than as part of package tour.

Indian tourists will have to pay the new sustainable development fee, but at a reduced rate, currently only USD 15.