The most mysterious country in the world has announced that it is reducing the tourist tax by 2 times to attract more tourists. This is Bhutan, a kingdom in the Himalayas, known for its fantastic scenery, Buddhist practices, and the fact that it has consistently implemented the principle of receiving few but expensive tourists, which has contributed to the high tourist tax, which will now be greatly reduced.
Moreover, only last summer, Bhutan declared its desire to raise the tax on each tourist to $200. However, there have been changes. “The new fee structure, previously set at a fixed rate, promises to ensure a balance between the development of tourism and the maintenance of Bhutan’s cultural and ecological values,” local media said.
At the same time, it is expected that the decision to reduce the tourist tax will have a double effect. First, it is predicted to lead to a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals, injecting new energy into the local economy. Second, it can attract a more diverse range of travelers, including explorers on a budget and families looking for a worthwhile vacation.
“While the fee reduction may attract more visitors, the government has also taken steps to ensure that the nation’s cultural integrity and natural beauty are not compromised. Stricter rules of responsible tourism are being introduced, which encourage travelers to become active participants in preserving Bhutan’s heritage,” the media added.
It should be noted that tourism in Bhutan – a mountainous country between China and India – began in 1974 and from the very beginning followed extremely strict rules. In the early 2000s, the country was visited by slightly more than 7,000 tourists per year. The government initially took the position that tourists could have a devastating effect on Bhutan’s unique and virtually untouched landscapes and distinctive culture. That is why it fundamentally bet on elite tourism, tourism of the highest quality. Each tourist must pay the said fee for each day of stay in the country. At the same time, there cannot be more tourists than places in hotels. There are currently more than 75 licensed tour companies operating in Bhutan. Tourists are forced to pay a tax of $65 per night.
Our tip: The highland kingdom is mostly interesting for its unique cultural component – Buddhist monasteries and fortresses, incredible scenery, and colorful festivals are its main attractions.
The country is also interesting because it declared an “ecological dictatorship” long before it became mainstream. Another funny fact: the 9th article of the basic law of Bhutan declares the happiness of citizens as the main value of the state. The Ministry of Happiness exists in the country, and regularly studies how satisfied citizens are with their well-being and standard of living.