Known for its unique development approach focused on the Gross National Happiness rather than on the Gross Domestic Productthe small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has long maintained a highly selective tourism policy. To preserve the integrity of its cultural and natural heritage, and to protect the tranquillity of its inhabitants, the local authorities have introduced a quota system and a daily tax to limit the influx of foreign tourists.
In fact, every traveler has to spend $200 a day to be allowed to discover this country wedged between India and Tibet.
A $200 tax to encourage responsible tourism
However, faced with the global health crisis and a significant drop in the number of international tourists, Bhutanese officials have decided to set up a temporary offer. While the amount of the tax has not changed, it now allows a longer stay in Bhutan. For example, a tourist who pays it for 4 days now has the option of staying an additional 4 days, for a total cost of 800 dollars instead of 1600 for eight days. Similarly, those paying for 12 days can now stay for up to 30 days. This policy has been in force since June 1, and is subject to the following conditions will remain in place until the end of 2024.
The sustainable development tax: an ecological and solidarity-based initiative
This daily tax, called "sustainable development taxThe funds raised are used to finance projects to preserve the environment and cultural heritage. The funds raised are also used to support local populations in the fields of education, health and rural development. In this way, by choosing to visit Bhutan, tourists contribute directly to the well-being of the local people and to the protection of this exceptional territory in the heart of the Himalayas.
Bhutan's ambition is to gradually increase the contribution of tourism to its total economy, with the intention of growing from around 5 % at present to 20 %, without however setting a specific date for achieving this goal.
The country has already welcomed over 47,000 tourists since the start of 2023. This puts the country on track to achieve its "modest" target of 86,000 visitors by the end of the year, a figure well below the approximately 315,600 tourists in 2019.
A model for other tourist destinations?
Faced with the nuisance and damage caused by overcrowding in certain popular destinations, it is legitimate to ask whether the Bhutanese model could be adapted and applied elsewhere. Indeed, many countries and regions are confronted with the same problem. dilemma between preserving their heritage and the economic appeal of tourism. The introduction of a tax comparable to that in Bhutan could help to encourage more responsible tourism that respects local resources, while generating income for the authorities and communities concerned.
Inspiring examples from Europe and elsewhere
While Bhutan's case remains unique, other regions have already begun to introduce similar measures to regulate tourism and protect their environment. For example, some Mediterranean islands have introduced a "ecotax to finance the preservation of their fragile ecosystems, while other tourist sites have opted for temporary or permanent closure to prevent damage caused by over-visiting.
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español