Bhutan Reopening Soon! Zero Quarantine. Enhanced Experience.

Our team is overjoyed to share the wonderful news, a moment we have all been awaiting for a long time. We are now set to reopen from 23rd September 2022 without quarantine, with improved services and an enhanced visitor experience.

When Bhutan emerged from its policy of self imposed isolation in the 70’s and when the country saw its first international tourists in 1974, it implemented a unique tourism policy of “High-value, Low-volume”, as a deterrence against mass tourism, to conserve its unique culture and to safeguard the pristine environment. Although the unique tourism policy was a resounding success during the early days of tourism, it was evident in the years preceding the pandemic that due to various reasons the risks associated with mass tourism was on the rise. For this reason, the Bhutanese government has decided on some fundamental changes to the current tourism policy to ensure sustainability and responsible tourism for the years to come.

We sincerely thank you for the patience and support over the past two tempestuous years. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Press Release on renewed focus on tourism, sustainability and reopening of borders on 23rd September 2022.

At the center of the sector’s revamp are three areas- upgrading of infrastructure and services, the elevation of tourists experiences, and maintaining carbon neutral tourism.

29.06.2022 : The Kingdom of Bhutan will be reopening its borders to tourists from 23rd September 2022. But it will do so with a renewed focus on the sustainability of the sector.

The tourism sector will be undergoing a revamp, which will focus on three key areas. They are infrastructure and services, the travel experiences of tourists, and the sector’s environmental impact.

“COVID-19 has allowed us to reset – to rethink how the sector can be best structured and operated, so that it not only benefits Bhutan economically, but socially as well, while keeping carbon footprints low. In the long run, our goal is to create high-value experiences for visitors, and well-paying and professional jobs for our citizens,” said Dr. Tandi Dorji, Foreign Minister of Bhutan and Chairperson of the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Among the slew of changes are revised standards for service providers, including hotels, guides, tour operators, and drivers, which will soon be subjected to a more robust certification process before they can engage tourists. Employees will be required to participate in skilling and re-skilling programs, where necessary, to boost service quality.

Amid the intensifying threat of climate change, Bhutan will also be stepping up its efforts to keep the country carbon-negative and a green destination for tourists. The nation is keenly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as frequent rain and floods.

The revamp of the tourism sector comes amid a widespread transformation across the country, from the civil service to the financial sector. The changes are geared towards developing Bhutan’s human capital by equipping the population with more proficient skills, knowledge, and experiences.

As such, it will be raising the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD65 per person per night for tourists to USD200, which will go towards activities that promote carbon-neutral tourism and building a more sustainable tourism sector. This includes offsetting the carbon footprint of tourists and upskilling workers in the sector. Indian tourists will continue to pay a previously stipulated fee, which will be revised at a later date.

The SDF fee changes came into effect on 20 June, 2022. “Our strategy for the revamp of the tourism sector brings us back to our roots, of ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism, where we meet the needs of tourists while protecting our people, culture, values, and environment. Tourism is a strategic and valuable national asset, one that does not only impact those working in the sector but all Bhutanese. Ensuring its sustainability is vital to safeguarding future generations.” Tourism Council of Bhutan, Royal Government of Bhutan.

See you soon!