More than 6,000 tourists have visited Bhutan since the country reopened its borders in September. While the majority are those paying the old daily sustainable development fees of USD 65, almost 2,000 tourists entered the country under the new SDF of USD 200. More than 1,000 Indian visitors also came by paying the Nu 1,200 SDF.
Already regarded as one of the world’s most exclusive travel destinations, Bhutan’s international borders officially reopened on September 23 after a closure of about two and a half years due to the COVID pandemic.
But it wasn’t just a long pause, the reopening came with a steep hike in tourist fees designed to preserve Bhutan as a high-end and sustainable travel destination. When this decision was made, it left many in the tourism sector like tour operators, hotels and guides and even Bhutanese individuals anxious.
But since September, in just one month, more than 4700 tourists entered the country. And going by the numbers, despite the rise in fees, it seems Bhutan has remained on the travel bucket list for many.
With tourists paying USD 200 as SDF to the government alone, BBS asked a few of them if coming to Bhutan was worth the huge price.
“I thought we had such a fantastic tour actually that the 200 dollars was worth it,” said Van Dieren Donck, who came all the way from the Netherlands. “We are even considering coming back in a few years times even with the 200 dollars. It was exceptional.”
“It’s very clean, better than in Nepal. Food is okay. We feel very comfortable here,” said Bernd from Germany.
“For one day, maybe I spent 400 dollars for all services like food and hotel and I think it’s not expensive because we have very full service and very nice sightseeing,” said Le Thu Trang from Vietnam.
Meanwhile, some said there is room for improvement in terms of the food provided to guests as well as with the need to improve infrastructure.
“In my opinion, I think if the government of Bhutan can improve the roads to make it more comfortable and good, it’s going to be easier for the tourists,” said Dao Huyen Vy.
“The food is spicy for me but everything is okay. Everybody is kind. Totally it’s okay. Compared to the price of the service, I think it’s not very expensive,” said Minh who is visiting from Vietnam.
Today on average, tourists coming under the new SDF policy spend about USD 350 to 400 per day which includes the USD 200 SDF and expenses for food and accommodation.
According to the Department of Tourism, more than 1,700 tourists have already registered to visit the country by January of next year. They added the numbers will increase.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
