Bhutan is booming – at least by its own standards – having doubled in the first quarter the year, compared to a year before. Moreover, March was the third busiest month for tourism to the Himalayan nation since the country’s post-pandemic re-opening, though the highwater mark still only saw just over 16,600 arrivals in May, 2023.
The breakdown of visitors in 2024 shows that 60% originated from India, with the remaining 40% travelling to Bhutan from a diverse set of markets, including the US, UK, China, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia, and Canada. North Americans visitors have increased by 105% this year.
Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer of the Department of Tourism attributes the increase to a reduction in the country’s US$100 per night Sustainable Development Fee (from US$200), and a substantial increase in global awareness about Bhutan among potential guests and global travel agents, thanks to concerted promotional efforts from the country’s travel industry, and extensive media coverage.
“Bhutan being listed as a ‘must visit’ place in 2024 in many of the world’s top publications has helped raise our profile and bring in more visitors,” said Nimah. “We’ve also targeted a wider range of people and new markets around the world. And by promoting Bhutan as great to visit any time of year, not just in certain seasons, it all helps. The numbers are really promising with a good trajectory, and we look forward to a strong tourism year.”
She added, “These efforts have steadily gained traction, because Bhutan is not a short haul destination for most guests – it takes time to research, plan and book a trip to the kingdom. So, the results of the tourism industry’s hard work from the last year are now paying dividends.”
Bhutan Visas and SDF
All visitors must have a visa and permit before travelling to Bhutan (except for visitors from Bangladesh, Maldives, and India who require a permit). Visitors apply online for a visa or permit or via a Bhutanese Tour Operator, which takes around five days to process.
All guests must pay Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 p.p. per night ($50 children) and a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40. The SDF funds cultural, environmental, health and educational projects across Bhutan.
Visit https://bhutan.travel/