Tourism: The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) yesterday launched the Bhutan-Korea friendship offer to mark three decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations, according to a TCB press release.

As part of the offer, all Korean nationals visiting Bhutan this year from June 1 to the end of August may choose not to pay the all-inclusive mandatory minimum daily package rate of USD 200 a person per night.

Instead, they will pay only the government royalty of USD 65 per person per night. Visitors can also avail a 30 percent discount fare on Drukair and Bhutan Airlines and up to a 50 percent discounts in hotels.

Visitors also have the flexibility or choice of services and they need not pay the surcharge of USD 40 a person per night and USD 30 each for two persons. The first group of Koreans visiting Bhutan will have a special airport reception on arrival by the Korean ambassador to Bhutan.

Visitors should book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Some of the highlights of the events in June, July and August this year are the Royal Bhutan flower exhibition in June, the Haa summer festival in July and the Matsutake festival in August.

Staff reporter