Tourism Update: Bhutan Reopens Its Border For Travellers after Two Years of Hiatus

Published: 23 Sep, 2022By Nandini Bhattacharya

Bhutan is open! Bhutan Tourism now welcomes you to explore its beauty with a new tourism policy and a fresh new brand!

The Kingdom of Bhutan reopens its border today for international tourists. Along with this, the country has launched a new tourism policy with the primary focus on sustainable developments, infrastructure development along with enhanced guest experience. Bhutan, the Himalayan country, also unveils its new brand ‘Believe.’

During a special ceremony held in Thimphu yesterday, on September 22,H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering, the Honourable Prime Minister of Bhutan said, “Bhutan’s noble policy of High Value, Low Volume tourism has existed since we started welcoming guests to our country in 1974. But its intent and spirit were watered down over the years, without us even realising it. Therefore, as we reset as a nation after this pandemic, and officially open our doors to visitors today, we are reminding ourselves about the essence of the policy, the values and merits that have defined us for generations.”

He also added, “We must also ensure that we are a high value society, one that is infused with sincerity, integrity and principles, where people must always live in safe communities, among serene environments and derive comfort from the finest facilities. Typically, “high value” is understood as exclusive high-end products and extravagant recreational facilities. But that is not Bhutan. And, “low volume” doesn’t mean limiting the number of visitors. We will appreciate everyone who visits us to treasure our values, while we also learn as much from them. If that is what you are searching for, there is no limit or restriction. The best conduit to realising our vision are our youth and professionals in the tourism industry. While those working in the tourism sector will represent us at the forefront, the entire nation is the tourism industry, and every Bhutanese a host. The minimum fee we are asking our friends to pay is to be reinvested in ourselves, the place of our meeting, which will be our shared asset for generations. Welcome to Bhutan.”

Explore Best Selling Bhutan Tourism Packages

The ceremony was held to unveil the new brand ‘Believe’ which is also known as ‘Brand Bhutan.’ The brand focuses on the optimism and renewed ambition of the country as it reopens to welcome guests again. It also aims to communicate its plans and promises for the young citizens of the country. ‘Believe’ has been launched by H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering, Honourable Prime Minister in Thimphu yesterday and it will reflect the determined focus on the future along with the transformative journeys the guests will experience in the country from today onward.

During yesterday’s ceremony in Thimphu, Dr. Dorji, Foreign Minister of Bhutan and the Chairperson of the Tourism Council also said “Beyond protecting Bhutan’s natural environment, the SDF will also be directed towards activities that preserve Bhutan’s built and living cultural heritage, including architecture and traditional values, as well as meaningful environmental projects. Our future requires us to protect our heritage, and to forge fresh pathways for forthcoming generations. We need tourism to not only benefit Bhutan economically, but socially as well, while maintaining our low sustainable footprint. The goal of our new strategy is to create high value experiences for guests, in addition to well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens. This is our moment of evolution and we invite our guests to become our partners in this transformative moment.”

In June 2022, Dr. Dorji announced the date of reopening in a press release. He announced, “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. In the long run, our goal is to create high-value experiences for visitors, and well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens.”

He also said that owing to the effects of climate change on the country, the renewal of tourism policy or the Bhutan Tourism update will focus on three key areas, such as-

• Infrastructure and services
• Travel experiences of tourists
• Tourism sector’s environmental impact

From today (September 23) onwards, as per the Bhutan Tourism update 2022 –

• An international tourist has to pay USD200 as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which was previously USD65.
• The SDF will help to build more sustainable tourism in Bhutan and to promote carbon-neutral tourism in the country.
• However, for now, Indian tourists have to pay the previously stipulated fee, which seems to be revised later.

The changes in the fee structure have already come into effect on June 20, 2022.

Moreover, there will be no Minimum Daily Package Rate fixed by the governments, meaning travellers can now engage with the service providers directly at their convenience.

As Bhutan is opening its borders to tourists again, you can now start to plan Bhutan tour with TMI. We offer several packages to spend holidays in Bhutan, which come at affordable prices. Most importantly, as MDPR (Minimum Daily Package Rate) will be removed from 23rd September, you can now have flexibility in selecting the places and directly contact us.

You can now visit places in Bhutan like the following two by choosing any of our packages.

Tiger’s Nest

Known as Taktsang Monastery of Guru Rinpoche, Tiger’s Nest is one of the must-visit places in Bhutan. Overlooking the breathtaking views of Paro Valley, the trail to the monastery is world-famous as the architecture hangs on the cliffs above a lush green forest. The majestic views of the cave temple will surely blow your mind.

Punakha Dzong

One of the world-famous tourist spots in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong is the second largest dzong in Bhutan. It is also famed for being the residence of the head clergy of Bhutan in winter, when the capital shifted to Punakha. The interesting architecture of the dzong along with its historical references are the two main reasons for tourists to visit this place.

Explore more popular tourist destinations in Bhutan.

Bhutan Latest Travel & Tourism News Update 2022.

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