Bhutan Travel Specialist, Druk Air Representative (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
Dear Sonam: Kuzuzangpo La. I appreciate your response and the fact that Bhutan is still a developing country with much needed infrastructure and other internal developments. We did of course tip both our guide and driver. It has been my experience that such tipping regression is stated in every tour package from every tourist company that we have used in our other travels around the world.. I don't think Druk Asia is unique in that area. The cost of travel in other countries includes the price for guides and drivers to share the same accommodation and food as the travelers. It is standard practice and does not rely on the charity of the hotels to offer left over accommodation and food to them. It would me congruent with Bhutan's stated government philosophy that all citizens are equal if the drivers and guides were treated with the same quality of food and shelter as the guests. Yes, it does cost more to visit Bhutan than other countries because of the added tax for health and education costs, but it seems to me that adding enough to house and feed the guides and drivers with the tourists would not add a significant amount to the overall price and would go a long way to demonstrating to the world that it values its citizens. I am sure this policy is determined by the Travel Agencies. I urge your company to take a look at your philosophy and integrity regarding treatment of your guiding staff. Thank you, Gillian Cassel
From United States
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