Much has been discussed about the new government policy of levying 200 US dollars on tourists as sustainable development fees. But for many tourists attending the ongoing Paro Tshechu, they say the SDF tariff is worth it. Over 100 tourists are seen witnessing the sacred mask dances and traditional dances along with hundreds of locals daily at the Paro Tshechu.
Philip and his family from Germany arrived in Paro on Monday. They have been planning a trip to Bhutan since November of last year after they learned about tourism reopening in Bhutan.
They said the daily tariff is high but worth it. They will be in Bhutan for another nine days.
“It stretched my possibilities but it was possible to do it. It was more than expected, but I am still happy we could come. We have been here only for two days. It is absolutely worth it. I understand the daily tariff is rather high but I understand, and I also understand this is an interesting and good way to do it so that there will not be so many tourists,” said Philip, a visitor from Germany.
“It is so beautiful here. I like the colours and it is so nice to meet with people here and learn about a different culture,” said Monica, another visitor from Germany.
With the effects of the pandemic behind us, festivals like the Paro Tshechu is what tourist ask for, said the visitors.
“I think the whole world is so happy that the pandemic is over and to see festivals like this come to life is just amazing. Fortunately, we have somebody who can interpret what is happening with the dances and enhance connection with Buddhism, which is wonderful. It is wonderful to be part of it,” said Jane Iver, a visitor from Singapore.
“I read about the tsechu in a travel book that is happening here. It was more than I was expecting. I didn’t know it was so big and so many people were coming with their friends and families having a picnic and spending the whole day here,” said Christiana, a visitor from Germany.
“Well, it is expensive for Western Europeans to come to Bhutan. Because we have to travel and stop in many places and fly over India. But as per the services and itinerary and other possibilities, I think it is worth paying this much money,” said Reinis, another visitor from Germany.
“We think it is a good initiative. Because if you have too many people it gets crowded and noisy. Trying to find a balance is a good idea. For example, in Venice in Italy, there are too many tourists. You cannot go there because there are so many people,” said Bob, a visitor from the USA.
Paro Tsechu is one of the biggest attractions for tourists in the country. Bhutan received around 31,000 tourists as of March after reopening for tourism in September of last year.
Of that, over 6,000 paid the new sustainable development fee of 200 US dollars and more than 7,000 visited on the old tariff.
The rest were regional tourists who paid the SDF of Nu 1,200 a night.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Sherub Dorji
