The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is worldwide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socio – economic development particularly counties like Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help promoting understanding among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based on appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.

There are, however, problems associated with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the fact that the resources on which tourism is based are limited, the Royal government of Bhutan recognizes the need to develop the Bhutanese tourism industry based on the principles of sustainability, which means it must be environmentally and economically viable.

Towards achieving this objective, the Royal Government, since inception of tourism in the year 1974, has adopted a very cautious approach to growth and development of the tourism industry in Bhutan. In order to minimize the problems, the number of tourists has been maintain at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of Government regulated tourist tariff  “ high value low volume”.

Tourism Tariff to be increased w.e.f January 2011
ALL TOUR OPERATORS

As you would be aware, the long awaited meeting with the Hon’ble Lyonchhen (Prime Minister)was held on 24th February 2010.
As an update and information only, the following are some of the major outcome: -

1.    Government is committed to the policy of “High Value, Low Impact”, minimal or no negative impact which does not undermine culture, promotes      ecological conservation, equitable distribution of tourism benefits and social harmony.
2.    Diversification of tourism with a focus on wellbeing/ spirituality, MICE and adventure tourism based on principles of GNH
3.    Regular consultation between the stakeholders. At-least 1 meeting between TCB and sector association in 6 months, if required the sector association to put in writing requesting for additional meeting. Annual meeting between Council Members and stakeholders.
4.    TCB to update on all initiatives implemented on TCB website on regular basis.
5.    Tariff: -

•    Tariff:                            To be increased to $ 250
•    Season:                         All year round (No lean season months)
•    Children below 12 years, no royalty
•    Surcharge, status quo
•    W.E.F. January 2011

6.    Monitoring: Respective association to develop mechanism to monitor their members in collaboration with TCB. Ensure proper location and addresses of all tour operators.
7.    Respective association to institute and promote ethical conducts (Code of Conducts/ Responsible tourism guidelines etc…)
8.    ABTO to monitor and regulate transparency of packages offered within the tariff.
9.    ABTO and HAB to work together on improving cuisine variety and improvement.
10.    ABTO and HAB to work out an amicable solution on debt issues.
11.    No excuses for those involved in unethical tourism practices such as sex tourism.
12.    Tariff differentiation on selling luxury resorts/ hotels between tour operators and luxury hotels selling directly to be resolved by TCB.

Overall Hon’ble Prime Minister appealed to all the stakeholders to promote and preserve our national identity through wearing our national dress to individual private offices.

Kindly be informed that an official announcement/ circular on the above will soon be circulated, until then treat the above information as reference and for your kind information only.

With Kind regards,

ABTO Secretariat

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Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO),
POST BOX No. 938,
Thimphu : BHUTAN.

Tour Reservation

All tours must be booked through a recognized Bhutanese Tour Operator such as Tashi Gongphel Tours, with entire land arrangements provided by one and the same operator.

For Cultural Tours, booking arrangements must be completed 4 weeks in advance, but for Cultural Tours during festivals, arrangements must be completed 6 weeks in advance. The spring and autumn festivals are our peak times for tourism, and without early reservations it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels.

For Trekking groups, booking arrangements should be completed at least 8 weeks in advance, as this activity requires detailed forward planning. Tashi Gongphel Tours has built up impressive resources and can offer your clients a choice of the finest and best organized trekking experiences in the entire Himalayas