Why Bhutan charges Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)

Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom that has gained international recognition for its unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The Bhutanese government has placed a strong emphasis on protecting its environment, preserving its culture and heritage, and promoting sustainable development. In line with this philosophy, Bhutan has implemented a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for all tourists visiting the country.

The SDF is a daily fee that is charged to tourists and is used to fund the government’s initiatives for sustainable development.

For all visitors except those from India, the SDF is US$200 per person, per night. For guests from India (who have an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card), the SDF is 1,200 ngultrum, or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person, per night. Without an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card, the full SDF of US$ 200 will be levied.

Children aged 6 to 12 at the time of travel receive a 50% concessionary discount on their SDF. Those children who have not yet turned six are exempt from paying any SDF.

Day visitors to the Bhutanese towns bordering India are also exempt from paying the SDF until they reach a point designated by the Bhutanese government.

The SDF has several benefits for Bhutan. Firstly, it helps to limit the number of tourists visiting the country, thereby reducing the impact of mass tourism on Bhutan’s fragile environment and culture. This is particularly important given Bhutan’s small size and limited resources. Secondly, the SDF provides a source of revenue for the government to invest in sustainable development initiatives, such as the preservation of cultural heritage sites and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism.

Furthermore, the SDF has helped to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared with local communities in Bhutan. A portion of the SDF goes towards funding community-based tourism initiatives that provide local communities with economic opportunities and help to promote cultural exchange.

In summary, the Sustainable Development Fee in Bhutan is a reflection of the country’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and preserving its unique culture and environment. The SDF helps to limit the impact of mass tourism, provides a source of revenue for sustainable development initiatives, and ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared with local communities.