The Kingdom of Bhutan has opened its borders to guests for the first time since 2020, marking a new strategy in the nations tourism approach.
Bhutan has reopened its borders to international guests following the Covid-19 restrictions that came into place in 2020, and unveiled a new strategy underpinned by three pillars of transformation.
The nation is aiming to enhance its sustainable development policies, upgrade infrastructure, and elevate the guest experience.
“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,” said H.E. Dr. Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
Bhutan has raised its Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) from US$65 to USD$200 per person per night, which will go towards projects supporting the economic, social, environmental and cultural development of the nation. It will also step up efforts to maintain its status as one of a handful of carbon-negative nations in the world, with 2022 seeing 9.4 million tonnes of carbon sequestered against its annual emmission of 3.8 million tonnes.
The Covid-19 lockdown saw upgrades to roads, trails, temples, and monuments around the country, along with upgrades to public bathroom facilities and tourism standards.
