Bhutan announces five strategies to drive tourism in 2024

Bhutan announces five strategies to drive tourism in 2024
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Bhutan’s department of tourism has implemented five key strategies to drive tourism to the country referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Asia’.

    Reduced SDF fee:
    Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) has been reduced to $152 per adult per night; while children between the ages of 6 and who have not yet turned 12 pay a reduced rate of $71 per night.

    Simplified visa process:
    Bhutan requires visas for all visitors, with no nationality restrictions. The introduction of an online visa application system has made this process more efficient. Typically, visas are processed within five working days, allowing for easier travel planning. The visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs USE 40.

    Increased flight options:
    Bhutan’s airlines, Drukair and Bhutan Airline, have expanded their flight options, providing increased accessibility to the kingdom with non-stop/transit flights connecting India, Singapore, Thailand, Nepal and Bangladesh to Paro International Airport. Soon, Bhutan Airlines will also start flights to Paro from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

    SDF Waiver for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events:
    Organisers of MICE events are now eligible to apply for a waiver of Bhutan’s daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). This initiative aims to enhance the MICE market’s impact, which extends through every layer of Bhutan’s tourism industry, including local businesses and event venues.

    Bhutan’s focus on becoming a cricket destination:
    Bhutan is now establishing itself as a premier destination for enthusiasts seeking unique cricket experience. Bhutan provides a cricket experience like no other, with the highest cricket grounds in the world, and where the love for the sport intertwines with the tranquility of its surroundings.

    Latest News

    • Aviation

    Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays

    Virgin Australia has blamed the delayed delivery of ten Boeing MAX planes for the cancellation of its direct flights between Adelaide and Bali. The route is expected to relaunch on 9 June with the arrival Virgin’s latest batch of Boeing aircraft. Adelaide travellers can still make their way to Bali, although the trip will now […]

    • Aviation
    • Luxury

    Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800

    Join me on my personal review of the iconic Singapore Airlines’ A380-800 business class cabin. Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxurious and spacious seating in any class, it’s sleek and fine interior reflects a sophisticated yet relaxed charm, promising instant luxury the minute you board. The configuration in business class is 1, 2, 1 […]

    • Aviation

    South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen

    South African Airways will fly across the Indian Ocean for the first time since the pandemic today when the first of its relaunched Johannesburg to Perth flights touches down today. The South African Airways flights will connect 40,000 more passengers per year in each direction, between Perth and Johannesburg using Airbus A340-300s. Flight Centre Corporate […]

    • Partner Content

    My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse 

    Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse?  ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]

    Partner Content

    by Travel Weekly

    Travel Weekly
    • Aviation

    Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport

    Emirates has unveiled a glimpse of its future with the news of a new base at  Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai overnight. Also referred to as the Dubai World Central, the airport is undergoing an AUD $53.3b refurbishment. Once complete, it will become the city’s main international hub with five parallel runways and 400 […]

    • Destinations
    • News

    APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

    APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

    • Cruise
    • Luxury
    • News

    Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

    Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]