Bhutan, known for its unique culture and environmental protection, is now further strengthening tourism through the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Bhutan has based its tourism on the principle of ‘high value, low volume’. It aims to protect the environment and cultural heritage, while continuing to welcome tourists.
What is Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
Bhutan has imposed a sustainable development fee on tourists. The fee is $100 per night for international tourists and ₹1,200 for Indian tourists. The purpose of this fee is to protect the country’s environmental structure and cultural heritage, so that tourists visiting Bhutan only engage in eco-sensitive tourism.
without any restriction on the number of tourists
Bhutan’s Chief Marketing Officer, Karissa Nimah, explained that despite the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), there is no limit on the number of tourists. Despite Bhutan’s ‘high value, low volume’ strategy, tourists are welcomed here with open arms. In 2019, Bhutan welcomed 350,000 tourists, a huge figure compared to the country’s population (750,000).
Why did Bhutan adopt this policy?
Bhutan has always given priority to environmental and cultural sensitivity. Bhutan has never positioned itself as a mass tourism destination and neither does it plan to do so. The aim of this policy is to reduce the pressure on the environment and ensure sustainable use of resources. Under this strategy, Bhutan promotes high quality tourism, where fewer tourists come but their experience is excellent.
How will Bhutan benefit from tourism?
Tourism in Bhutan still makes up less than 5% of GDP, but Bhutan plans to gradually grow this sector. Most tourists come from India, the US and the UK, and Bhutan is now working towards increasing the number of repeat tourists.
Karisa Nimah says that tourists should not limit themselves to only major places like Thimphu and Paro but should also explore the beauty of other parts of Bhutan. Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and its carbon negative country status make it a unique tourist destination.
‘Mindfulness City’ announced
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has announced an ambitious project called ‘Mindfulness City’. Under this project, a new city will be built in Gelephu, which will help in the development of Bhutan and attract environmentally-sensitive businesses. This city will be ready in the coming 5-8 years.
