Bhutan draws ire over steep entry fees

The tiny mountain kingdom of Bhutan may on the surface have little in common with tourist magnets like Amsterdam and Venice, but its rulers are grappling with a similar stumbling block: being loved to death. In an effort to clamp down on what's described as over-tourism, the Himalayan paradise is raising its daily entry fees for foreign visitors from US$65 ($85) a day to US$200 ($260). The steep rise in the mandatory sustainability development fee has been denounced by tour operators. Sydney-based World Expeditions, which has been running excursions to Bhutan for more than 10 years, said the country runs the risk of becoming a preserve of the wealthy — at odds with the ideology of sustainable and inclusive tourism. A spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald: “World Expeditions is very concerned that the increase will have a major impact on trekking in Bhutan. “One of our most popular treks is the 27-day Bhutan Snowman Trek. The price rise means clients will now pay almost $17,000, rather than the current cost of $11,190.” Other destinations plagued by mass tourism have imposed — or are considering — similar pay-forentry charges. Beginning next year, the Italian city of Venice will impose entry fees of between €3 to €10 (up to $13) — depending on the season. Huge numbers of day-trippers descend on the lagoon city every year but do little to contribute to its coffers, clogging up St. Mark's Square, but often spending little while annoying locals.