The Himalayan nation supports sustainable development by imposing high everyday taxes on visitors.
PUBLISHED: 27 Jun 2024 at 18: 05
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said on Thursday that the two countries may work together to advance green hospitality.
He made the remarks at a” Intelligent Management” event held by Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Asian Studies, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Royal Bhutanese Embassy.
Mr. Tobgay was questioned how Thailand could learn from Bhutan, which is renowned for its unspoiled surroundings and exceptional principles for ensuring sustainable tourism.
He claimed that the two nations could work together to share their knowledge and success stories despite the various circumstances, including Bhutan’s people of 700, 000 people versus the 67 million in Thailand, for instance.
In contrast to Bhutan, a rocky nation, Thailand’s physical landscape is more varied.
According to the Bhutanese Tourism Department, 70 % of its area is covered by jungle with more than a second under biological protection.
Tourists, defined as “responsible journey to healthy areas and ecosystems, which conserves the environment, respects the culture and traditions of its people”, has been adopted by the Bhutanese government for the development of sustainable tourism.
Its strict hospitality tax policy, called the sustainable development fee ( SDF), also helps improve the country’s “high benefit, low level” tourism principle and ensures exclusivity for high- quality visitors, Mr Tobgay said.
Visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan are required to pay the SDF, which is currently$ 100 per day for adults and$ 50 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. The charge, which is paid straight to the government, is distributed to numerous projects for their long-term, sustainable development in order to support the local people’s well-being and livelihood as well as boosting the economy.
That includes providing free care, education, and improvements to the tourism industry’s amenities and services.
According to Mr. Tobgay, the price is also a significant source of income for the country’s carbon-neutral status and forest preservation.
Although Thailand and Bhutan are distinct, he continued,” It is important that we exchange information and collaborate to advance issues of green tourism.”