BHUTAN TOURISM POLICY GUIDELINES:
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".
The tour package includes airport transfers,
accommodation on a twin sharing basis, all meals,
Land transport within Bhutan, Sightseeing, tour
guide, museum fees. Pack and riding ponies applicable.
Supplement Charge.
Single room supplement is charged at US$ 20.00
per person, per night.
FIT surcharge for 1 or 2 persons.
Individuals and groups of 2 shall be subject
to a Surcharge – over above the daily
rates applicable, as follows:
1 PAX US$ 40.00 per night halt
2 PAX US$ 30.00 per night halt
A contribution of US$ 10.00 per person for
visit to be made towards the Tourism Development
Fund (TDF).
Due to weather conditions and reasons beyond
our control, changes to itinerary may occur,
for which Bhutan Footprints Travel accepts no
responsibility.
Discounts.
The following discounts on a daily
basis are allowed, however FIT. Surcharge is
not exempted.
Diplomats from foreign embassies/ missions
accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount
on rates. There shall be no charge for children
up to the age of 5 years.
However, those between the ages of 6 to 12
years accompanied by elders/guardians shall
be given a 50% discount. Full time students
under the age 25 years holding valid identity
cards from their academic institution shall
be given a 25% discount.
Delayed Arrival/Departure.
There will be no charge for the number of days
of delay in arrival/departure of visitor due
to weather conditions, Druk Air problems or
roadblocks.
Cancellation charges.
1) There shall be cancellation charges on the
tour booked
3) Unless full payment for
the tour and air tickets is received by our Bhutan
agent, tour shall not be entertained on 100% confirmed
basis.
4) Full payment should reach us/our agent in
Bhutan at least one month before the tour date.
5) Hotels as mentioned shall be provided on
the availability basis, since the envisaged
hotels could be full any time as they are not
big enough.
6) As all Bhutan tour tariffs are strictly
controlled by the Tourism Authority of Bhutan
(TAB), they are subject to change or rise without
any prior notice.
Insurance
There is no personal insurance of any
kind included in the tour price, so Travel insurance
should be obtained from your place of residence
in advance of your trip. Travel agents in Bhutan
will not hold any liability for illness, injury
or death sustained during your trip.
Payment Procedure
All the tour payments must be made
in advance of departure. Payment should be deposited
through the Bhutan National Bank account abroad
payable in favor of Travel Agent name in Bhutan.
Once your travel is confirm the agent in Bhutan
will provide you with the account number.
Bills/Tips.
Bar bills, Laundry bills, Tips for
the Guides and drivers are not included or if
on a trek, for Trekking cook, assistance troupes
and horseman.
