As you may be aware that the government has announced SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) waiver on 15th February 2018 for tourists visiting the six eastern districts (Mongar, Samdrup Jongkhar, Lhuntse, Tashi Yangtse, Tashigang and Pemagatshel) effective from 16th November 2017 for a period of 3 years.

In this regard, ABTO and TCB had a bilateral meeting on 28th February 2018 specifically to discuss on SDF waiver and sought clarification on the following:

• Those tour operators who have already operated groups in the said districts from 16th November 2017 may process for SDF refund to TCB on or before 15th March 2018. However, we would like to inform that upon verification of the evidence furnished by concerned tour operators, the government will refund total SDF directly to your client(s).  For detail contact TCB or visit http://www.tourism.gov.bt/announcements/notification-on-the-on-the-waiver-of-sustainable-development-fee-(sdf)-in-the-eastern-part-of-bhutan

• Duration discount for tourists staying longer duration in Bhutan can be calculated after removing the number of nights halted in SDF waiver districts. This is for your kind information for tour costing.

• For above six districts, daily tariff per pax per night is US$ 160 (peak season months) and US$ 115 (regular months) for processing visa.

• TCB will study accommodation requirement in the Eastern districts and if necessary consider unclassified hotels as an interim measure for alternate arrangement.

For clarification, if any, kindly contact Mr. Tek Bahadur Khatiwara, ABTO at 17621385/322862.