This country's 2023 tourist policy is a gateway to its National Gross Happiness

Bhutan (officially the Kingdom of Bhutan) is a landlocked Southern Asian country, which is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, between China in the north and India in the south. The people of this sanctuary of one of nature's wildest vegetation cover, the Himalayas, and water bodies that tower from mountains have a lot to be happy about.

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70 per cent of this Kingdom is forest, and the remaining 30 per cent is decorated in monastery-spotted mountains that cradle pristine rivers and villages as old as time. The country is as breathtaking as it is a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively.

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Visitors often refer to it as the World's last Shangri-La (an imaginary paradise on earth, especially a remote and exotic utopia) tucked away in the Himalayas the Kingdom is sleeping idyllic beauty and tranquillity.

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Architecture

This country's 2023 tourist policy is a gateway to its National Gross Happiness/Pexels Pulse

At the forefront of this naturally-rich background is Bhutan's interesting culture and tourist policies.

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First of all, their architecture is largely comprised of decorative phallic symbols that are found in their temples, houses, and government buildings.

Culinary delights

This country's 2023 tourist policy is a gateway to its National Gross Happiness/Pexels Pulse

In Bhutan, two weird culinary habits stand out. Chilli is not just a spice or an indulgence, it is considered a full meal. Their rice is also served in red.

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Tourist policy 2023-2024

All tourists visiting the country must pay $200 Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) per person each day which was effective starting September when its borders reopened. While this may seem expensive on the surface, it actually covers accommodation, transport, a guide, food, and entry fees.

However, in June this year, the country made headlines when it introduced a new payment policy for (SDF). This new policy is a promotion and will expire at the end of 2024.

The promotional fees are as follows:

Travellers who pay the SDF for the first four days can stay for an additional four days for free.

Travellers who pay the fee for the first seven days can stay an additional seven days for free. Those who pay for 12 days are exempt from paying the fee for an extra 18 days thereafter.

This country's 2023 tourist policy is a gateway to its National Gross Happiness/Pexels Pulse

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This means $600 in savings for those staying a week and $3600 in savings for those staying a month while enjoying all the amenities that come with the stay.

Bhutan’s Department of Immigration created a website where travellers can calculate potential savings under the different incentive programs.

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