BHUTAN TOURISM POLICY

The Tourism Industry in Bhutan is based on a concept of “High Value & Low Impact”. Founded on the principle of sustainability, tourism must be environmentally friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable. The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development, particularly for a developing country like Bhutan.

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 maintained at a manageable level and this control on number is exercised through a policy of government regulated tourist tariff.

BHUTAN DAILY TARIFF

The daily tourist tariff is fixed and controlled by Tourism Council of Bhutan (Royal Government of Bhutan) and all tour operators must charge the established rate.

The minimum daily package for tourists travelling in a group of 3 persons or more is as follows:

• USD $200 per person per night (for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December).
• USD $250 per person per night (for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November).

These rates are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan.

INCLUSION IN THE MINIMUM TARIFF PACKAGE

The minimum daily package covers the following services.

• A minimum of 3 star accommodation (5 star may require an additional premium).
• All meals.
• licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay.
• All internal transport (excluding internal flights).
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours.
• All internal taxes and charges.
• A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education and free health care.

SURCHARGES

Tourists travelling in a group of two (2) persons or less shall be subject to a surcharge, in addition to the minimum daily package rates:

• Single individual - US$ 40 per night.
• Group of 2 persons only - US$ 30 per person per night.

DISCOUNTS

• The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad.
• A discount of 50% on minimum daily package shall be given to one person in a group of 11 people. 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.
• Full time STUDENTS below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions, shall be given 25% discount.
• There shall be no charge for CHILDREN below the age of 5 years. However, those between the ages of 5-12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 50% discount on daily rates.

This Royalty is currently set at $65 per day.

DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS

Usually we require a deposit of USD 695 per person within 14-21 days of your Druk Air flights to/from Bhutan being confirmed.

Final balance of tour funds are due no later than 30 days prior to your arrival in Bhutan. Please note your bookings could risk cancellation should payments not be received by the due date.

PAYMENT PROCEDURE & BANK INFORMATION

All tour are pre-paid and visa granted by Government is subject to advance payment only.

Unlike other countries, credit card payment facilities are not available in Bhutan. Therefore, you must wire the tour payment to the Bhutan National Bank throughone of their certified international partners as given below:

Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore

Bank Address:	Standard Chartered Bank(Correspondent Bank) 6 Battery Road, Singapore 049909 SWIFT Code: SCBLSGSGXXX Sort Code: 60-91-04
Beneficiary Bank Account:	01-7-005970-7 (USD A/C)
Beneficiary Bank:	Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439,GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:	Account No 54702012 of Embrace Bhutan maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan

Standard Charter Bank Ltd, New York

Bank Address:	Standard Chartered Bank Ltd. (Correspondent Bank) One Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010-3603 SWIFT Code: SCBLUS33 CHIPS ABA: 0256 FED ABA: 026002561
Beneficiary Bank Account:	358-202-171-9001 (USD A/C)
Beneficiary Bank:	Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:	Account No 54702012 of Embrace Bhutan maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan

Standard Chartered Bank, London

Bank Address:	Standard Chartered Bank(Correspondent Bank) 37 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V OBX Sort Co``de: 60-91-04 SWIFT Code: SCBLGB2L
Beneficiary Bank Account:	01706885901 (GBP A/C) IBAN-GB21 SCBL 6091 0417 0688 59
Beneficiary Bank:	Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:	Account No 54702012 of Embrace Bhutan maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan

Standard Chartered Bank, Japan

Bank Address:	Standard Chartered Bank Ltd., (Correspondent Bank) Tokyo, 30-16, Ogikubo 4-Chome,Suginami-ku Tokyo 167-8530 Japan SWIFT Code: SCBLJPJT
Beneficiary Bank Account:	2342855-1110 (YEN A/C)
Beneficiary Bank:	Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:	Account No 54702012 of Embrace Bhutan maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan

Bank of America, New York, USA

Bank Address:	Bank of America (Correspondent Bank) New York, USA SWIFT Code: BOFAUS3N
Beneficiary Bank Account:	6550691700 (USD A/C)
Beneficiary Bank:	Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:	Account No 54702012 of Embrace Bhutan maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan

Export-Import Bank of Thailand

Bank Address:	Export-Import Bank of Thailand (Correspondent Bank) Bangkok, Thailand SWIFT Code: EXTHTHBKXXX
Beneficiary Bank Account:	999-6-00369-0 (USD A/C)
Beneficiary Bank:	Bhutan National Bank, P.O Box 439, GPO Building, Chang Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT
Ultimate Beneficiary:	Account No 54702012 of Embrace Bhutan maintained with BNB, Thimphu, Bhutan

DELAYED ARRIVALS

There is no charge for delays in arrival and departure because of weather conditions disrupting flights or road blocks. The tourist must however bear the cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and other services required.

It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance prior to travel.

TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY

Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:

• Within 30 days of the start of the tour programme: Free.
• Within 21 days: 10% of the rate.
• Within 14 days: 15% of the rate.
• Within 7 days: 30% of the rate.
• Less than 7 days or cancellation without notice: 50% of the rate.
• After arrival in Bhutan: 100%.

DRUK AIR CANCELLATION POLICY:

• 90% refund for cancellation made before 30 days of travel date.
• 70% refund for cancellation made before 20 days of travel date.
• 30% refund for cancellation made before 07 days of travel date.
• No refund for cancellation made less than 07 days of travel date.