Kathmandu, Nepal Government has directed tourism businesses and service providers to ensure that tourists are provided services only through officially licensed tourist guides.
In a notice issued by The Tourism Office of Bagmati Province, the office said it had received complaints and information regarding individuals without legally required licenses, including foreign nationals, working as guides and providing tourism services to tourists.
The office said the directive has been issued to ensure tourist safety, quality of service, professional standards, accountability and effective implementation of existing laws and regulations.
Services must be provided through licensed guides
According to the notice, tourists participating in tours, trekking, hiking, rafting and other tourism-related activities must be accompanied or served by guides who have obtained the required license from the concerned authority.
Tourism businesses have also been instructed to verify the guide’s license, its validity and the guide’s eligibility or authorization to conduct the particular tourism activity before providing services to tourists.
Tourism businesses and service providers must prioritize the safety, convenience and interests of tourists and fully comply with applicable laws, regulations, directives, procedures and standards.
Businesses operating tourism services through licensed guides must also maintain proper records of the guides and their relevant licenses.
Action against unlicensed guides
The Provincial Tourism Office has warned that legal action will be initiated against individuals and businesses found working or employing others as tourist guides without the required license, in accordance with prevailing laws.
The office further stated that any legal, professional or other liabilities arising from providing tourism services through an unlicensed guide would be borne by the concerned individual or business.
The Tourism Office has urged all tourism entrepreneurs, guides and other stakeholders to strictly follow the notice in order to make the tourism sector safe, organized, professional, responsible and trustworthy, while enhancing visitors’ confidence in Nepal’s tourism services.
