The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily payment for tourists with a Bhutanese visa, contributing to Bhutan’s development.
1) Before September 2023, it cost 200 USD per day to visit Bhutan. However, from September 2023 onwards, the government cut the cost by 50%, making the new Sustainable Development Fee 100 USD. This reduction also applies to children aged 6 to 12, with their daily fee now being 50 USD. The main goal of this initiative is to boost tourism and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The decision to reduce the SDF was not only intended to increase the number of tourists visiting Bhutan but also to increase their duration of stay, which was previously limited by the higher daily fee of 200 USD.
The reduced SDF is also seen as an opportunity to attract tourists of varying backgrounds, those who may not have considered visiting Bhutan, due to its higher fees, compared to other countries. It is important to note that this discounted fee is applicable until 2027, urging potential visitors to seize the opportunity, especially given the dynamic nature of policies.
2)The other reason to visit Bhutan, or Asia in general, is due to the current geo-political situation worldwide. Travel trends in 2024 indicate a shift away from travel to the Middle East and Africa, with a growing interest in exploring Asian destinations.
3)Furthermore, the present is an opportune moment to explore Bhutan, benefiting from recent hotel renovations. Over the past two years, significant developments, including enhanced employee training, have addressed previous shortcomings, elevating the overall hospitality experience.
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