"This is in view of the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment, earning foreign exchange ... and in boosting overall economic growth," it said.
Isolated for generations, Bhutan opened to tourists in 1974 when it received 300 visitors.
The tourist fee has limited arrivals to bigger spenders who make up a fraction of the numbers that visit nearby Nepal.
Nevertheless, Bhutan hopes to raise the contribution of tourism to its $3 billion economy 20%, from about 5%.
In June, the government eased rules on length of stay and fees for tourists but numbers have not picked up as expected.
Persons:
Dorji Dhradhul, Dhradhul, Gopal Sharma, Robert Birsel
Organizations:
Department of Tourism, Thomson
Locations:
KATHMANDU, Bhutan, COVID, Nepal