The Kingdom of Bhutan has introduced preferential treatment of tourism tax for long-term residents. What’s behind it? | Latest Articles | Livhub
At the foot of the world’s tallest peak, the Himalayas, lies a secret aerial paradise that would be the envy of those weary from modern life.
Due to the COVID-19 disaster, the Kingdom of Bhutan will lift the ban on foreign tourists in September 2022. At the same time, the tourist tax was raised from $65 to $200 per person per night. The official name of the tourism tax is the “Sustainable Development Fee” (SDF).
Before joining the United Nations in 1971, Bhutan adopted a policy of national isolation to preserve its unique culture and society. In this context, there is a basic belief that large numbers of people should not step into the area and destroy the natural environment and culture.
However, considering that the number of tourists visiting Bhutan in 2023 is still far below the pre-epidemic level, the number of tourists visiting Bhutan will exceed four days, and the main purpose is to accelerate economic growth through tourism. Available for a limited time until the end of 2024.
Tourists who pay the tourist tax for 4 nights can enjoy 4 more days of free accommodation. People who stay for 12 days can stay for one month for free. This preferential treatment is only available for passengers paying in US dollars.
Through the introduction of tourism tax, we will invite people who pay a certain amount to act as responsible travelers while voluntarily learning about local culture and life, which is expected to have the effect of inviting travelers who want to appreciate it. Get closer to the perspective of local residents and show the charm of this land.
Tourism taxes and sustainable development fees are used for purposes such as maintaining pristine natural landscapes and offsetting tourists’ carbon dioxide emissions.
This system cannot be imitated by any country, and it is a unique initiative of the Kingdom of Bhutan, which has rare tourism resources.
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Why do modern people yearn for the Kingdom of Bhutan? Countries around the world are competing fiercely on economic indicators. The index was proposed by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 1972.
In the 1970s, Japan was at the peak of its rapid economic growth, and people worked all day without even sleeping. Today, however, many of us are acutely aware that financial wealth alone does not bring happiness.
So how can people be happy? An extended stay in the Kingdom of Bhutan may hold clues to the answer.
(Reference website) Bhutan reduces daily tourist tax for tourists who stay longer
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A long time ago, I had the habit of living far away, and before I knew it, I became a nomad overseas. Harnessing the great nature of the internet, he talks to himself and puts the world in perspective. Wandering between the real earth and the digital sky, today we continue our journey to unseen worlds.
