The happiest country on earth is about to get a little cheaper for tourists.
The Kingdom of Bhutan has long had pricey visitor fees to deter too much mass tourism, but is now having second thoughts.
Following the pandemic shutdown, the Bhutan tourist fee was increased to US$200 per night, up from US$65.
It has now revised the ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ down to US$100 as of next month.
The fee reduction is an effort to boost the Bhutan tourism industry which hasn’t recovered.
“This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment, and earning foreign,” a government statement said.
It comes in time for the September-December peak tourist period when the country has many Buddhist festivals.
Prior to the pandemic, Bhutan welcome over 300,000 visitors annually.
