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BHUTA N TOURISM POLICY GUIDELINES:
The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is
worldwide phenomenon and an important means of achieving
socio – economic development particularly counties like
Bhutan. It also recognizes that tourism, in affording the
opportunity to travel, can help promoting understanding
among peoples and building closer ties of friendship based
on appreciation and respect for different cultures and
lifestyles.
There are, however, problems associated
with tourism which, if not controlled, can have devastating
and irreversible impact on the local environment, culture
and identity of the people. Realizing these problems and the
fact that the resources on which tourism is based are
limited, the Royal government of Bhutan recognizes the need
to develop the Bhutanese tourism industry based on the
principles of sustainability, which means it must be
environmentally and economically viable.
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
maintain at a manageable level and this control on number is
exercised through a policy of Government regulated tourist
tariff "high value low volume".
The tour package includes airport
transfers, accommodation on a twin sharing basis, all meals,
Land transport within Bhutan, Sightseeing, tour guide,
museum fees. Pack and riding ponies applicable.
Supplement Charge.
Single room supplement is charged at US$
20.00 per person, per night.
FIT surcharge for 1 or 2 persons.
Individuals and groups of 2 shall be
subject to a Surcharge – over above the daily rates
applicable, as follows:
A contribution of US$ 10.00 per person
for visit to be made towards the Tourism Development Fund (TDF).
Due to weather conditions and reasons beyond our control,
changes to itinerary may occur, for which Bhutan Footprints
Travel accepts no responsibility.
Discounts.
The following discounts on a daily basis
are allowed, however FIT. Surcharge is not exempted.
Diplomats from foreign embassies/
missions accredited to Bhutan shall be given a 25% discount
on rates. There shall be no charge for children up to the
age of 5 years.
However, those between the ages of 6 to 12 years accompanied
by elders/guardians shall be given a 50% discount. Full time
students under the age 25 years holding valid identity cards
from their academic institution shall be given a 25%
discount.
Delayed Arrival/Departure.
There will be no charge for the number of
days of delay in arrival/departure of visitor due to weather
conditions, Druk Air problems or roadblocks.
Cancellation charges.
Tour programs booked and subsequently
cancelled are subjected to a cancellation charge as follows.
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Within 21 days 10% of the rate
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Within 14 days 15% of the rate
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Within 7 days 30% of the rate
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Less than 7 days 50% of the rate
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After arrival in Bhutan 100%
Insurance.
There is no personal insurance of any
kind included in the tour price, so Travel insurance should
be obtained from your place of residence in advance of your
trip. Travel agents in Bhutan will not hold any liability
for illness, injury or death sustained during your trip.
Payment Procedure.
All the tour payments must be made in
advance of departure. Payment should be deposited through
the Bhutan National Bank account abroad payable in favor of
Travel Agent name in Bhutan. Once your travel is confirm the
agent in Bhutan will provide you with the account number.
Bills/Tips.
Bar bills, Laundry bills, Tips for the
Guides and drivers are not included or if on a trek, for
Trekking cook, assistance troupes and horseman.
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