BHUTAN CELEBRATES BIRTH OF NEW PRINCE BY PLANTING 108,000 TREES

March 19, 2016
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World’s Eco-Friendliest Country, Bhutan, Celebrates Birth Of New Prince By Planting 108,000 trees

How does Bhutan, the world’s most eco-friendly and carbon-negative country, celebrate the recent birth of its new prince? By planting trees of course. Lots and lots of trees.

108,000 saplings were planted in the tiny mountain Kingdom to commemorate the first Royal Child of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema.

The Bhutanese constitution stipulates that at least 60 percent of land remains forested at all times, but this green-fingered celebration wasn’t just inspired by the country’s commitment to ecological preservation.

“In Buddhism, a tree is the provider and nourisher of all life forms,’ said Tenzin Lekphell, who coordinated the initiative. ‘It symbolizes longevity, health, beauty and even compassion.”

This isn’t the first time that Bhutan has made headlines for its epic tree-planting sessions. In 2015, the country set a Guinness World Record by planting almost 50,000 trees in just one hour. Which is proof, if ever you needed it, that while Bhutan might be small in size, it’s definitely big when it comes to awesomeness.

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Source: James Gould-Bourn

REGIONAL TOURIST TOP SOURCE MARKET FOR BHUTAN

March 16, 2016
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India top source market for Bhutan

India continues to be the number one source market for Bhutan. With the latest regional arrivals touching 1,09,052 demonstrating a growth of 57 per cent over last year, India remains as the biggest market for both regional and overall arrivals. As part of its India agenda, Tourism Council of Bhutan has focused on Gujarat as one of the key source markets to enhance its Indian footprint in the year 2016, through a road show targeted at key travel agents in Ahmedabad. This would be the first of many initiatives to tap the Gujarat market. Damcho Rinzin, Head, Marketing and Promotion Division, Tourism Council of Bhutan, says, “As a leading international tourism destination, Bhutan is seeking to diversify its source markets and attract new visitors. Countries like India are emerging more and more in the world outbound tourism sector, and Bhutan believes it could offer a special proposition to visitors from India. Further, international travelers to Bhutan are lured by the myriad of offerings that include heritage, culture, natural beauty and a range of quality world class hospitality and tourism industry which make a strong proposition for Bhutan as a destination.”

Source: Tourism Breaking News

GOOD NEWS FOR BHUTAN AVIATION

February 17, 2016
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Nepal accepts Bhutan’s request for more “fifth freedom” flights

Bhutan obtained two more “fifth freedom” flights to New Delhi via Kathmandu, in the latest meeting between Bhutan and Nepal on the two countries’ Air Service Agreement, held in Kathmandu, last week.

Fifth freedom rights allows an airline the right to pick up revenue paying passengers in an intermediate point, in this case Nepal, between the airline’s own country and a foreign country, in this case, between Bhutan and India.

Prior to this, Bhutan was provided with only four “fifth freedom” right flights on its Paro-Kathmandu-New Delhi, and vice versa, sector. All four were used by the national airline Drukair.

“We’re very happy Nepal is being so cooperative and flexible,” said information and communications secretary, Dasho Kinley Dorji, who led the Bhutanese delegation there.

Dasho Kinley Dorji said the government is yet to decide which airline would be provided the additional fifth freedom flights. But he said that the request for the additional flights had been made by Tashi Air subsidiary, Bhutan Airlines.

The new “fifth freedom” flights will begin soon, Bhutan Civil Aviation Authority director, Wangdi Gyaltshen said.

On the Nepali government’s request, Bhutan agreed to offer “fifth freedom” rights to Nepali air carriers wanting to stop over in Paro and fly onto the countries of Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.

This allows specified Nepali airlines to stop over in Paro, pick up revenue paying passengers and continue on. The same applies when returning from the four countries.

In theory this further opens up the market to international competition, but it is not known if any Nepali airlines are interested in flying to or via Bhutan currently. A private airline, Buddha Air began scheduled operations to Bhutan in 2010, but pulled out after seven months after suffering heavy losses.

Based on a reciprocal basis, Bhutan also has beyond “fifth freedom” rights to four points: New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bodhgaya.

While Bhutan had specified its via Kathmandu beyond flights in 2004, when the Air Service Agreement was signed, Nepal had not identified its via Paro beyond flights until the recent meeting.

The Bhutanese delegation also reiterated their request for “fifth freedom” flights to Kathmandu using Bagdogra and Bodhgaya as intermediate points. However, the Nepali side only “duly noted” the request, as per Nepali media reports.

“Additional fifth freedom requests are on hold and we are hopeful that this will be resolved soon,” Wangdi Gyaltshen said.

The Nepali side also requested that Nepali citizens be granted visa-on-arrival at Paro airport.

Dasho Kinley Dorji said that the request had been noted and would be forwarded on to the relevant agencies.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the agreed points.

The last meeting between the two countries on the air agreement occurred in 2014 when Tashi Air was permitted as the second Bhutanese airline to fly to Nepal, the number of permissible flights between the two countries was raised from seven to 21, and a USD 10 cargo royalty, paid for each passenger picked up at Kathmandu, was waived off.

SOURCE KUENSEL -Gyalsten K Dorji

10 FACTS ABOUT BHUTAN

February 11, 2016
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10 Surprising Facts About Bhutan

 

Bhutan borders India and China and is a predominantly Buddhist country. Rimmed by the Himalayas, its high altitude and inaccessibility has allowed it to remain cut off from the rest of the world (until recently, when it started to allow limited tourism). Here are 10 interesting facts about Bhutan an intoxicating country.

Best places to visit in Bhutan the Trongsa Dzong with clouds gathering above it in the mountains

 

1: LAND OF THUNDER DRAGON

Bhutan is called “The Land of Thunder Dragons” because of the violent and large thunderstorms that whip down through the valleys from the Himalayas. The contrast in temperature from the Indian plains and the high mountains of the Himalayas also creates dramatic cloud-scapes that can be seen as you drive over the high mountain passes.

The landscape of Bhutan with clouds gathering along the hillside
Trashigang to Samdrup Jonkhar 

 

2: CLOSED TO TOURISTS

In 1974, the first international tourists were allowed into Bhutan by invite only. Today it’s fully open for tourism, but at the high cost of $250.00 a day per person. You must arrange all your travel through a government authorized tourist agency, but once you arrive everything is taken care of from food through to your transportation and guide.

People walking away from Druk Air plane in Paro Bhutan after landing
Paro airport & Druk Air

 

3: GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS

Bhutan is the first country to switch from the western ideal of Gross National Product to “Gross National Happiness,” which is achieved through four foundations: good governance, natural environment, sustainable growth, and cultural values.

A group of monks making the peace sign for camera in Bhutan
Friends 

 

4: NO SMOKING

Bhutan is the first country to have outlawed tobacco in 2004. Although, in 2012 the laws were loosened and smuggling now occurs. It is still rare to see people smoking on the streets, but drugs and alcohol have continued to create problems and the government has started a program to educate and deter citizens from abusing or using the smuggled narcotics.

Monk looking out of a window in Bhutan
Monk inside of a Dzong

 

5: THE NATIONAL SPORT

The national sports of Bhutan are archery and darts – I am not sure how darts qualifies as a sport! In the city of Paro I had the opportunity to whiteness an archery competition and was surprised how far they had to shoot. After watching for over forty minutes not one person had hit the bullseye!

A man pulling his arrow for archery in Thimphu Bhutan
Archery in Bhutan 

 

6: NO TRAFFIC LIGHTS

The capital city, Thimphu, has no traffic lights– just white-gloved traffic officers. When the city tried to install some lights there was a public outcry, and they were promptly removed.

The only traffic stop in the town of Thimphu BhutanBhutan
The only traffic stop in Thimphu Bhutan

 

7: STATE RELIGION

Tantric Buddhism is the official religion, followed by Hinduism. Buddhism is state sponsored and the Dzong’s and temples are maintained and supported by the government. There are even trade schools to teach new artisans that work on the paintings and carvings of these holy places.

Dancing in Jakar Bhutan the Kurjey Lhakhang Tsechu or festival with costumes and drums
Jakar Bhutan the Kurjey Lhakhang Tsechu 

 

8: THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

Gangkhar Puensum is the highest mountain in Bhutan and considered so sacred that no one has yet climbed to its peak (at 24,840 feet). The views of the mountains as you drive across the high passes are jaw dropping and the highlight of any journey through Bhutan.

best places to visit in Bhutan the Douchula Pass with it's hundreds of Stuppas
Douchula Pass 

 

9: NO TV OR INTERNET

In 2001 Bhutan lifted its ban on TV and Internet—the last country in the world to do so. But today it is not strange to see computers and cell phones in the hands of teenagers especially in the capital city of Thimphu.

Monks in Bhutan at the kurjey lhakhang tsechu blowing horns
Jakar bhutan, kurjey lhakhang tsechu

 

10: ENVIRONMENTALISTS

Bhutan is one of the only countries in the world where citizens have a constitutional obligation to preserve and protect the environment. You need to visit before it all changes. So you should visit Bhutan before it changes – the western world is slowly creeping in despite the governments best intentions. You can learn more about the country and how to start planning a trip on my Bhutan Country Guide Page.

The mighty Mo Chhu River running through the valley of Bhutan

SOURSE: JOSEPH KIELY

BHUTAN GOVERNMENT TRYING TO OFFER MORE INCENTIVES FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY

February 2, 2016
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Tax holiday in the offing for the hospitality sector

Newly established high-end resorts and tourist standard hotels will enjoy a 10-year income tax holiday from the date of commencing commercial operations should the draft Economic Development Policy (EDP) materialize.

However, the tourist standard hotels and resorts should be established between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019.

Import of furniture and fixtures, kitchen and laundry equipment, mattresses and linens, cutlery and crockery (with embossed logo of the hotel concerned), sanitary wares and electrical fittings shall be exempted from customs duty and sales tax on recommendation of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

This, according to the draft EDP is because quality of tourist class hotels is of paramount importance besides facilitating such investments.

Currently, tourist standard hotels and resorts established from 2010 to 2015 also enjoy the same tax benefits.

TCB classifies and categorizes tourist standard hotels and resorts based on 320 parameters under six broad features of location and type of property; room comfort, quality of equipment, fittings and furniture; service facilities; leisure facilities; additional in house facilities and services; and sustainable tourism practices.

The draft EDP also states that farmhouses that meet the minimum standards for hospitality shall register with TCB and be exempt from all licensing requirements and income tax.

Similarly, a 10-year tax holiday shall be provided to guest traditional village houses and lodges that meet the minimum standards for hospitality established between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019.

Existing hotels are also eligible for a reinvestment allowance of 25 percent of the total capital expenditure incurred for up-gradation should the draft EDP gets the green signal from the government.

Economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk in an earlier interview said, “the document is still in a draft stage and would require a lot of discussions before it becomes a policy.”

There are about 133 hotels across the country with the highest located in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. The occupancy rate is about 30 to 35 percent on an average for hotels in the western region, about 17 percent in central and seven percent in the eastern region.

With most of the hotels located in the western region, some hoteliers said that the incentives should be prioritized based on the dzongkhags.

Hoteliers said that as the hospitality sector makes the highest investment, such incentives are necessary. However, some said it was time the government shift the focus to other dzongkhags.

One of the hoteliers said that the tax holiday and exemptions helped the hospitality sector grow with more competition that also saw improvement in standards.

“It’s time the agencies concerned study the carrying capacity to project the required rooms,” one hotelier in Paro said. “This would also help equal spread of regional benefits.”

Seasonality is a prominent issue that hoteliers in the country face today.

As is the trend, the annual tourism report 2014 states that Paro, Thimphu and Punakha recorded the highest number of bed nights in 2014. Bed nights in Paro constituted about one-third (34.43 percent) of the total followed by Thimphu and Punakha that composed 26 percent and 16 percent of the total bed nights respectively.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF JAPAN-BHUTAN FRIENDSHIP

January 21, 2016
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Japanese tourists are entitled huge discounts in June, July and August

Japanese tourists visiting Bhutan will not have to pay the mandatory minimum daily package rate of USD 200 per person. They will only pay the daily royalty of USD 65 per person per night.

This is the highlight of Bhutan-Japan Friendship offer that was launched simultaneously in Thimphu and Tokyo, Japan on 19th January to commemorate 30 years of close diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In Thimphu, Foreign Minister Damcho Dorji launched the offer, while minister for economic affairs, Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk, launched the offer in Tokyo.

The offer is for the months of June, July and August, which includes 50 percent discount on airfare besides discount of up to 50 percent on the hotels. There will also be flexibility of choices in other services.

All Japanese tourists are required to book their trip to Bhutan through a licensed tour operator.

Lyonpo Damcho Dorji said that the offer is launched against the backdrop of three special events in Bhutan this year – birth of the Royal Heir, birth year of Guru Rinpoche and the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal’s arrival in Bhutan.

“Against this historical background, Bhutan and Japan are commemorating 30 years of bilateral relations and friendship,” lyonpo said. “The offer is special and it would help promote people to people contact.”

Lyonpo also highlighted important development assistance from Japan in the agriculture, health, education, communications and human resource sectors. “The offer is a testimony of the good relations between the two countries,” lyonpo said, adding that bilateral relations between the two countries began in March 28, 1986.

TCB officials said that Japan has been an important development partner since formal relations started between Japan and Bhutan, especially in the area of agriculture sector where late Dasho Nishioka played an important role in promoting agriculture in Bhutan.

According to TCB, the first group of Japanese tourists visited Bhutan in 1975 when Bhutan opened up for tourism. Since then Japan remains an important market for Bhutan.

However, most tour operators expressed dissatisfaction over the offer saying the industry was not consulted and that the offer should not have been specific to Japan.

The tour operators’ and hotels associations had proposed for a similar offer last year for all tourists in the lean season.

Tour operators said the offer was decided despite reservations from tour operators. As the offer is from June to August, they said the offer would have implications in the long run, as most Japanese tourists travel during these months.

“Such offers are not beneficial but have a huge implication on the industry,” a tour operator said, adding that such offers should be done at a government level instead of strangulating the throats of businessmen. “Every time the government does that, they never consider touching the royalty but just the tariff.”

Some tour operators who deal with the Japanese market said even the Japanese agents were not happy with the offer. “None of us in the industry are happy,” one said. “It’s like legalizing undercutting at a time when it has become the talk of the town.”

A similar offer for Thai tourist was launched for the same period in 2014 to commemorate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The offer for Thai tourists, some tour operators said had a huge implication on the Thai market now, as it has become difficult to promote Bhutan in Thailand after the offer.

“Now the Thais know how low we can get so it’s difficult to sell tour packages at the normal rate,” a tour operator said.

Tour operators said Japanese market has always been good for Bhutan as a major source except for 2014 that witnessed a drop.

Records with TCB show a steady increase in arrivals of Japanese tourists since 2004, when the country recorded 1,087 tourists.  In 2012, Japan surpassed America in terms of international visitor segment for the first time with 6,967 tourists. Bhutan usually gets the highest arrivals from the US, followed by Japan.

Tourist arrivals from Japan slumped by more than 30 percent in 2014 where about 2,707 tourists visited, the lowest since 2010.  In 2013, the country recorded some 4,015 Japanese tourists.

The peak arrivals in 2012 were mainly attributed to His Majesty the King and Gyaltsuen’s visit to Japan in 2011, which generated enormous publicity and awareness on Bhutan.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

BHUTAN COULD SERVE AS ROLE MODEL FOR THE WORLD

January 16, 2016
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Bhutan role model for world: Johannes Binder

Bhutan has vast potential to serve as a role model for the world in diverse fields such as sustainable tourism and alternative energy in the region, according to the new Resident Representative (RR) of Austria to Bhutan Johannes Binder.

The RR said Bhutan has proven its potential in the context of sustainable environment policy and on making available and popular the broader socioeconomic and spiritual concept of GNH.

He said that he greatly appreciates Bhutan’s internationally aligned and “broad foreign policy”. “Bhutan’s foreign policy is similar to that of Austria. A small country could make an impact on the international level,” he said.

“I would not as a guest and Austrian representative here in your country, comment on the country’s foreign policy,” he added. The two countries have maintained excellent diplomatic relationship since 1989, as well as excellent Austrian-Bhutanese development partnership.

“We are looking forward to fostering these relations, maybe even enforce our inputs and achieve more outputs in the socio economic dimension with hindsight to sustainable development,” he said.

The year 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He said there are established networks between Austrian and Bhutanese vocational training institutes and universities.

The RR said that the two countries are in the process of strengthening collaboration between faculties of the universities and academic institutions of the two countries, especially in the field of law, construction and development.

“We believe that investment in education, job qualifications, know-how networks on various executive and judicial administrative levels will serve best the young democracy and the current and future generation in Bhutan,” he said.

He said that that Bhutan could gain much from exchanging experiences with Austria in socioeconomic and political terms. “Austria supports Bhutan in its processes towards democratization and a pluralistic society,” he said. “Judicial reform and also civil society development support are entry points for these processes.”

He added that rise in domestic agricultural products and their value chains could help Bhutan reduce imports and achieve higher level of self-sufficiency and food security.

He said: “We will invite Austrian Chamber of Commerce missions next year to Bhutan to explore other the fields of cooperation.”

Source: Kuensel

PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE TO VISIT BHUTAN IN SPRING

January 11, 2016
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will make an official visit to Bhutan this spring, Kensington Palace has announced.

It will be the royal couple’s first visit to the Himalayan kingdom.

While visiting the country, William and Catherine will meet Bhutan’s king and queen, who married in 2011.

The trip, at the request of the UK government, will coincide with their previously announced official tour of India.

It was also announced that Prince Harry will visit Nepal this spring, the BBC’s royal correspondent Peter Hunt said.

Bhutan, located between India and China, has a population of about 750,000 people.

Tourists were first allowed into the country in the 1970s, while it is known for its “Gross National Happiness” index – an alternative to GDP – which measures personal happiness as opposed to economic growth.

The capital Thimphu does not have traffic lights and television was only introduced in the late 1990s.

In March 2008, Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy and the king relinquished his absolute powers.

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk – who became king in 2006 – and Queen Jetsun Pema married in a lavish ceremony in 2011 at a monastic fortress in the Himalayan nation.

They are expecting their first child early this year.

The Oxford-educated king and his wife, who also studied at a British university, visited London a few weeks after their wedding and met the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at their London home, Clarence House.

Previous royal visits to Bhutan include a visit by the Duke of York in 2010, and a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1998.

Although Prince Harry’s Nepal trip will be his first visit to the country, the prince said he had long wanted to visit the nation due to his admiration and respect for the Gurkha troops he served with in Afghanistan.

While the trip was also arranged at the request of the government, Prince Harry said he was keen to see progress with the country’s rebuilding effort following the earthquake in April last year.

The last visit by a member of the Royal Family to Nepal was by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal in 2000.

Source: BBC World News

LOCAL GOVERNMENT STICKS TO IT’S DECISION TO CLOSE TAKTSHANG EVERY TUESDAY

January 8, 2016
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Taktshang to remain closed every Tuesdays

Officials of Paro Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) reiterated that the closure timing for Taktshang Monastery should be implemented as endorsed during the eighth session of DT.

The tshogdu on December 30 wrote to the Taktshang Lam, Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and the Dzongkhag Administration asking them to implement the closure timing from January 1, 2016 as decided during the DT.

The eighth session of the DT last September decided to close Taktshang for visitors on Tuesdays except during auspicious days.

The Dzongkhag Administration submitted the proposal saying that cleaning, repair and renovation works will be done on the days when the Monastery remains closed. The decision was to be implemented after informing TCB and other stakeholders. However, during a meeting between TCB, the Dzongkhag Administration of Paro, and Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators (ABTO) on December 23, it was agreed that the proposed timing would be deferred for three months.

ABTO and TCB have been asked to come up with a “workable solution”, failing which, the proposed closure as endorsed by the DT will be implemented.

DT officials said that no one has the right to nullify DT’s resolution. For any change in decision, the right procedure is that it has to be routed through the DT, said DT Chairman Phub Tshering.

“We stand by our decision and the closure timing should be implemented,” Phub Tshering said.

ABTO and TCB officials were not available for comment. Tour operators expressed concerns over the tussle between the DT and the various agencies. They say that they have already sold tour packages for this year, which could cause serious problem with their clients.

“TCB should have the authority to decide on important tourism-related matters,” said a tour operator. Another tour operator said that while the dzongkhag is responsible for addressing issues pertaining to Taktshang, the way the decision is being taken without proper consultation is wrong.

“Taktshang is an important tourist site,” he added. “It should remain open on all days as it would have a huge impact on tourism industry.”

Taktshang gets more than 1,000 pilgrims a day, including tourists. Due to rise in the number of visitors, keeping the trail clean has become an issue.

SOURCE: KUENSEL (Kinga Dema)

BHUTAN GOVERNMENT SAYS NO TO OVERNIGHT CHANGE IN TOURISM POLICY

January 4, 2016
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No haste in reforming tourism sector

The government will decide on the proposed changes in the tourism sector after studying the recommendations of the National Council, draft Economic Development Policy (EDP) and Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB).

Economic affairs minister Norbu Wangchuk, at the meet-the-press session on 1st January, said the government would examine and get a comprehensive perspective after it has all the three recommendations.

“Firstly we need to see if there is a need for reform and if so, what is the path that we tread and the strategies that we would adopt,” lyonpo said, when asked about the government’s view on whether its time for a change in the tariff system as recommended by the Council and proposed in the draft EDP.

Lyonpo Norbu Wangchuk is also the vice chairman of the TCB.

He said it’s interesting that currently the tourism sector is looked at from three fronts referring to the Council, the EDP and the TCB’s review of tourism policy.

While the National Council probably focused on the tariff structure, lyonpo said a group of civil servants from the economic affairs ministry are working on the EDP.

“As part of the comprehensive EDP, they have also looked at how to revamp and reform the tourism sector where they have also included the tariff structure,” lyonpo said.

Most importantly, lyonpo said TCB with support of expertise from the World Bank is developing a comprehensive recommendation on the tourism strategies and policies as a whole that would capture the structure as well.

“The government would be much wiser with three different recommendations perhaps with some convergence,” lyonpo said. “We’ll entrust all the recommendations to the civil servants who would then give a reasoned judgment.”

Lyonpo said that essentially for the government, it works with relevant civil servants to whom all the recommendations would be entrusted.

“So until it comes to the Cabinet, we will not be able to take any decision,” lyonpo said, adding that right now the government has the Council’s and the EDP recommendations and that TCB recommendation is expected soon.

The National Council during its 16th session resolved to recommend the government to reform the “archaic tourism pricing mechanism by moving from the fixed minimum daily tariff system to a more transparent pricing system that provides tourists greater value for money and discourages the malpractice of undercutting and improves higher value tourism.”

“This recommendation would entail retaining or even increasing the royalty component (sustainable tourism fee) and requiring tourists to be routed through local tour operators and using local tour guides,” the resolution states.

Terming Bhutan as an exclusive tourist destination, the draft EDP states that tourists will no longer be required to come through a travel agency. Instead tourists are required to pay a sustainable development fee (royalty) and show the confirmations of guide, vehicle and hotel reservation, airline booking, and travel itinerary before they are issued visas.

The draft EDP states that tourists would be provided with visitors card at the point of entry that provides access to all historical, cultural and other tourist sites.  The value of the card will be equivalent to the visa fees and the sustainable development fee (SDF). The SDF shall be the sole mechanism to promote high value low impact tourism.

The draft EDP also states that TCB would set the SDF on a monthly basis at the beginning of the year to ensure distribution of the tourist inflow throughout the year and by region. The draft also recommends lower fees in the months when the tourist arrivals are low and higher fees during peak season.

For tourists staying longer than 10 days, lower fees would be levied and a discount on SDF would be offered for repeat visitors from their second visit. However, the government can exempt or lower the SDF to visitors from select countries during lean seasons for a fixed duration.

Source: Kuensel (Kinga Dema)

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