The Government Of Bhutan Has Reopened Its Borders With New Tourism Policies

The Bhutanese government has finally reopened its doors to international travellers for the first time since Coronavirus broke out nearly three years ago.

Bhutan Ambassador to Kuwait His Excellency Chitem Tenzin unveiled the new brand Bhutan with its tagline 'Believe Bhutan' in a press briefing at the Bhutan Embassy in Kuwait. With the opening of its borders, foreign visitors are once again able to fly into Paro airport and explore the beautiful Buddhist kingdom located within the Himalayan mountains.

Travellers can look forward to elevated authentic experiences in Bhutan with its new tourism strategy, Ambassador Chitem Tenzin said. Revealing the new tagline 'Believe', Ambassador said that it reflects this determined focus on the future, as well as the transformative journeys experienced by visitors.

The new tourism strategy is underpinned by enhancements to sustainable development policies, elevation of guest experience and infrastructure upgrades. Revealing the new sustainable development policy, Ambassador said that the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) will be increased for international tourists from USD 65 to USD 200 per person, per night, which will go towards projects that support Bhutan's economic, social, environmental and cultural development. However, for Indian nationals, the SDF is not applicable. Indian nationals are charged Rs 1200 per person per day as the Sustainable Development Fee. Indians are also exempted from Visa for visiting Bhutan.

The fees raised from visitors will go towards funding programmes that preserve Bhutan’s cultural traditions and upgrade its infrastructure. Furthermore, it will also provide opportunities for local youth, free healthcare, and education for everyone.

"The goal of our new strategy is to create high value experiences for our guests," Ambassador Chitem Tenzin said. "We would like all our visitors to come with a very open mind and experience our culture", he added.

The new model also aims to heighten the overall experience of visitors to its country. This can be through elevated quality of service, overall cleanliness, less cars on roads and reduced tourists at its most attractive sacred sites.

Bhutan is already one of the most exclusive tourist destinations in the world. The kingdom only opened its borders to foreigners in 1974, adopting a “high value, low volume” tourism policy. The new tourism model will help rebrand the tiny Buddhist kingdom as an “exclusive destination” attracting “discerning tourists.” The country is a magnet for its pristine nature and wildlife, rich culture and deep spirituality.

From Kuwait, Indian travellers can take in one of the world’s most beautiful descents, flying down to Paro airport in the Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan via Delhi. Indian passport-holders don’t need a visa but they do need a permit to enter Bhutan. In spite of the fact that the permit can be obtained on arrival, it is recommended that you apply online before you depart (https://visit.doi.gov.bt/).

 

Get The Latest and important news on our Telegram Channel click here to join

Comments Post Comment

Leave a Comment

Submit