9 June 2010

Subsequent to the Town hall held on 24th February 2010 by the Hon’ble Lyonchen with tourism stakeholders, we are pleased to announce the timelines with relevant details for the decisions taken.

• Low Season discount
The Low season discount presently existing for the months of January, June and July will be discontinued to promote Bhutan as an “all- year- round” destination.
Timeline: Effective 1st July 2011

• Royalty for Children
To encourage family trips, royalty for children below 12 years will be waived off. The age of the child will be verified from their passport and should be below 12 years at the time of their visit.
Timeline: Effective 1st July 2011

• Tariff revision
The tariff would be revised to USD 250/- per night with equivalent service to be provided (e.g. entrance to attractions, cultural shows etc).

Changes to the package construct and any additional mandatory service will be communicated at a later date with sufficient notice to the industry.

Timeline: Effective 1st January 2012 in line with mandatory implementation of minimum standards especially minimum 3 star accommodation to be provided.

• Agent commission
Agent commission of 10% to continue as part of the minimum mandated floor price of USD 250/-

• FIT surcharge
The surcharge will continue as per existing regulations.

• Duration discount
The existing duration discount will continue. This discount is being reviewed and any changes will be discussed and communicated at a later date.

• Mandatory package disclosure to all stakeholders including international operators, tourists, TCB across all channels – print and online, to be implemented with immediate effect.

This includes:

• Itinerary
A detailed itinerary must be agreed upon in advance and communicated. Changes in the itinerary must be mutually agreed with the clients and informed to the Secretariat, TCB. Information on transfers should also be clearly communicated in the itinerary.

• Accommodation
Type of accommodation and star rating being provided must be communicated to the clients. (As soon as the star ratings are finalised and announced). Basic information with the level of services must also be communicated for other categories of accommodation such as lodges, farm stays or community lodges. If required photographs of the establishment must be provided.

• Guide services
Only certified guides are to be provided to the clients and in the future the level of guide must also be indicated. Special qualifications such as foreign language skills, expert knowledge is specific fields must also be communicated. As far as possible the name, photograph and Guide license copy of the guide accompanying the client(s) should be provided prior to the visit.

• Meal Plan
Since the package is all inclusive, clear information on meals should be provided taking into consideration the areas being visited as per the agreed itinerary.

-Breakfast: American/English, Continental, Regional or Local

-Lunch: Picnic, Buffet/Set or A la carte with provision for specific requests such as vegan, vegetarian etc. Indication of the number of courses must be given for each of the above types.

-Dinner: Buffet/Set or A la carte with provision for specific request such as vegan, vegetarian etc. Indication of the number of courses must be given for each of the above types.

Information on other dining options especially in the urban areas must also be provided and provision should be made for clients to eat out on their own. In such cases, arrangements must be made with a number of restaurants to pay for the food (up to a certain limit) by the tour operator as part of the package.

• Transport
The type of transport being provided must also be indicated, in terms of make, model and capacity. The vehicle must be driven by a licensed driver/chauffeur and must have comprehensive insurance.

• Extras
Any additional services and entrance fees if provided

• Cancellation policy
The tour operations regulations (Being revised) provide a guideline for cancellations but tour operator’s must develop their own cancellation policy and inform and agree with their clients prior to the visit.

Tourism Council of Bhutan