Although the new provision is going to be hassling and at the same time costlier for tourists, tourism entrepreneurs have welcomed the recent decision stating that it would ensure safety of the tourists particularly those traveling solo. [break]
According to a recent policy decision of the home ministry, tourists, who want to trek solo in Nepal, must hire at least a porter or a guide. Trekkers traveling in groups are already required to take the service of a government registered trekking agencies.
Government officials say the decision has been made, taking into consideration the safety of tourists.
Trekking operators have welcomed the decision and urged the government to include the decision in the Tourism Act for effective implementation. “The decision will help promote Nepal as a safe destination for tourists at a time when international media are questioning the safety of foreigners in Nepal,” said Mohan Lamsal, managing director of Makalu Adventure.
Recent murder of a Belgian trekker in Langtang National Park along with some other cases of disappearance of trekkers have created negative image of Nepal in international market, according to Lamsal, who is also the general secretary of Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN).
At present, tourists interested to trek in Nepal must acquire a Trekkers´ Information Management System (TIMS) card. TIMS Card for FITs cost US $20 per person, while those traveling in groups get TIMS Card for $10 per person.
“The new policy decision means all trekkers will be taking the service of government registered trekking agencies. This will discourage illegal operation of trekking business,” Rana Bahadur Khadka, first vice-president of TAAN, said.
According to entrepreneurs, the fresh policy change will increase budget of FITs by around $10 per day. “This is a very nominal amount and it won´t affect tourist arrival,” Anjan Thapa, treasurer of TAAN, said.
Officials of TAAN said the new policy change will not only make trekking in Nepal safe but will also employment opportunities for trekking staff.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had taken the decision earlier this month following mounting pressure from tourism entrepreneurs, diplomatic missions and kin of missing tourists.
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