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No more waiver, Bhutan to levy charges on Indian tourists
Why is it in news?
- In a major shift in policy, Bhutan plans to levy charges on tourists from regional countries, including India, Bangladesh and Maldives, who at present are exempted from any charges.
More in news
- The new draft tourism policy was discussed by visiting foreign minister Tandi Dorji with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and meetings in Delhi on Monday.
- According to the draft prepared by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), the new charges have been necessitated by the sharp increase in tourists from the region, mainly India, who cross over the land boundaries.
- Present status: Currently international tourists, pay $250 (Approx. INR. 18,000) as a minimum charge per day per person, which includes a $65 a day “Sustainable Development Fee”, as well as a $40 visa charge.
- Tourists from India, Bangladesh and Maldives do not have to pay any charges right now.
- According to the new policy, however, they would be charged a Sustainable Development Fee, as well as a “permit processing fee
Source
The Hindu