Bhutan to charge $200-a-night tourism tax
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will charge a tourism tax of $200-a night when it reopens its borders on September 23.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) replaces an existing $65 per day tax and will be the highest tourist levy in the world, say reports.
It means an eight-day stay will incur a charge of $1,600 per person.
The Telegraph said the eco-tax could prove “prohibitive” and deter prospective travellers.
Gordon Steer, UK manager of World Expeditions, told the newspaper that the tax punishes those staying longer in the country on extensive trekking trips – which contribute to local remote communities – while potentially encouraging whistle-stop tours that are more environmentally damaging.
Jenny Southan, chief executive of travel trends platform Globetrender, predicted more countries will follow suit, charging ‘sustainability’ fees on arrival.
