One of the world’s most remote nations opens up

Until the pandemic, most international visitors were required to book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay a Minimum Daily Package Rate of US$200-250 (£148-185) per day, which bundled accommodation, meals, a guide, internal transport and the country’s sustainable development fee. Since 2022, the all-inclusive tariff has been replaced by a $100 (£74) Sustainable Development Fee, charged per adult per night, with travel costs arranged separately. Despite the new airport, Bhutan is determined to maintain its unique model of high-value controlled tourism.