Thimphu, Bhhutan +975 17889220 esvbhutan@gmail.com

Sustainable Development Fee

Sustainable Development Fee

SDF - Royalty to RGoB

The daily fee for promoting sustainable development, known as the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), varies depending on the currency used by tourists. Visitors paying in dollars are required to pay a fee of US$100, per day per person, while Indian tourists have an SDF of Rs.1,200. This fee is directly allocated to the government, contributing to their sustainable initiatives.

In addition to the SDF, the overall cost of traveling to Bhutan encompasses various elements such as accommodation, meals, local transportation (excluding domestic air travel), the expertise of a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, Bhutan camping gear, and the transportation of Bhutan trekking equipment. These costs can be adjusted and determined based on the prevailing market rates, ensuring a fair and transparent pricing structure.

SDF Incentives

The revised fee and the understanding hereon:

One of Bhutan’s most distinctive features is its commitment to the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This development philosophy emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being and sustainability, rather than just economic growth. Bhutan’s government measures the country’s progress through a series of indicators, including economic, social, and environmental factors, to ensure that the country’s development is sustainable and beneficial to all citizens.

A generous fifty percent deduction will be granted on the existing SDF of USD $200 for US Dollar-paying tourists who visit Bhutan. This deduction will result in an effective SDF of USD $100 per individual per day for US Dollar-paying tourists.

Additionally, a 50% discount on the SDF will be applied to rates for children aged 6 to 12 years who are visiting as US Dollar-paying tourists.

The exemption from the 24-hour SDF for tourists staying in border towns will remain in effect.

These aforementioned incentives will become effective on September 1, 2023, and will remain in force for a duration of four years until August 31, 2027.

The Royal Government will periodically assess both domestic and international tourism scenarios and may discontinue the mentioned incentives after August 31, 2027, to uphold and promote Bhutan’s High Value Low Volume Tourism Policy.

Important links

Department of Tourism Industry DrukAir Bhutan Airlines Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Department of Immigration

Contact

Thimphu, Bhhutan

+975 17889220

esvbhutan@gmail.com

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