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

    Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash

    It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]

    • Attractions

    SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024

    AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]

    • Cruise

    Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales

    Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]

    • Technology
    • Travel Agents

    Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy

    Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]