Criteria for MICE Events SDF Waiver

Eligible MICE events require a minimum of fifteen participants, excluding organizers, speakers, or hosts.

• 1. Participants may receive a waiver for the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for up to five nights per event (including arrival and departure days).
• 2. Only events categorized as Meetings, Conferences, Conventions and Exhibitions qualify for the SDF waiver. for up to five nights per event (excluding travel days).
• 3. The event must be organized by a Department Of Tourism (DOT)-certified Bhutanese tour operator or hotel.
• 4. The event must be approved by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment and Department of Tourism will conduct spot checks to ensure the SDF waiver for MICE is used or applied as per the stated purpose.
• 5. A summary of the event including the outcomes and photographs must be submitted by the organizing partner to DoT ASAP and within a maximum timeframe of one month) following the departure date of the guests
• 6. Eligible events can be scheduled throughout the year without blackout dates.
• 7. Applicants are responsible for obtaining any additional required clearances or approvals.
• 8. A post-event report including the outcomes and photographs must be submitted by the Tour Operator or Hotel to the DoT within one month of the departure date of the guests. This report should include information on attendance, the projected economic impact in Bhutan, key outcomes, and feedback from the participants.
• 9. Waiver is only applicable during the period of the event and MICE participants can extend their stay in Bhutan as tourists by paying the applicable SDF.