TRAVEL BLOGS & BHUTAN NEWS
Bhutan announces SDF waiver for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events
The Department of Tourism Bhutan is pleased to announce a new initiative to support the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Effective immediately, organisers of MICE events are now eligible to apply for a waiver of Bhutan’s daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a move designed to bolster one of the most significant revenue streams of the tourism sector. This initiative aims to enhance the MICE market's impact, which extends through every layer of Bhutan's tourism industry, including local businesses and event venues.
In 2019, Bhutan welcomed 904 MICE travelers, predominantly from Japan, the UK, Germany, and India, who significantly contributed to the local economy and community.
50% discount on the sdf of usd 200 till
31 august 2027
The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to announce additional incentives and policy measures to boost the tourism sector. This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment; earning foreign exchange; realizing the potential for spillover benefits for ancillary industries; and in boosting overall economic growth.
The incentives and measures shall consist of the following:
1. A fifty percent discount shall be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD 200 for US Dollar paying tourists visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount shall be USD 100 per person per day for US Dollar paying tourists.
2. In addition, a fifty percent discount on the SDF shall be granted on the rates applied to children aged between 6 to 12 years for US Dollar paying children visiting as tourists.
3. The 24 hours SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns shall continue.
The above incentives will come into effect from 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years till 31 August 2027.
The Royal Government shall conduct periodic assessments of the domestic and international tourism scenarios and may discontinue the above incentives to uphold and promote High Value Low Volume Tourism Policy of Bhutan after 31 August 2027.
FAM and Press Trips for international press and travel agents
FAM trips for international travel agents and press / KOLs who wish to visit Bhutan with an SDF waiver have now been confirmed, provided that they meet the requirements.
There are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlining the rules and requirements for FAM and Press trips which are available to view at the following links:
To apply for a FAM or Press trip, please follow the instructions in the SOP. There is a form that needs to be filled out, which will be sent to DoT to be reviewed and verified for every trip.
Please do let us know if you have any questions.