The Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN) has begun taking action against individuals working as tourist guides without valid licenses, emphasizing the need for licensed and professional guides to accompany foreign visitors at tourist sites. The association has also urged guides whose licenses have expired or are due for renewal to complete the renewal process and visibly display their licenses while providing guiding services.
Inspection Conducted in Bhaktapur
TURGAN, in coordination with the Tourist Police, carried out an inspection in Bhaktapur on Saturday to monitor tourist guiding services. During the inspection, action was taken against individuals found guiding tourists without the required authorization. The association said such monitoring is aimed at ensuring that tourist guiding services are provided by legally authorized and qualified professionals.
Guides Urged to Renew and Display Licenses
TURGAN President Prabha Laxmi Pradhanang has urged guides with expired or overdue licenses to renew them promptly. She also stressed that licensed guides should wear or display their licenses clearly while guiding foreign tourists at heritage sites and other tourist destinations. The visible display of a valid license can help authorities and tourists identify authorized guides and distinguish them from individuals operating without official permission.
Travel Companies Asked to Hire Licensed Guides
TURGAN has also called on travel and trekking companies to employ only legally licensed tourist guides when taking foreign visitors to tourist attractions across Nepal. The association emphasized that travel companies have an important role in ensuring that tourists receive professional, reliable and legally compliant guiding services during their stay in Nepal.
Guides as Ambassadors of Nepal
According to TURGAN, tourist guides play an important role in shaping foreign visitors’ impressions of Nepal. Through their interaction with tourists, guides not only provide information about the country’s history, culture, heritage and destinations but also help communicate a positive image of Nepal to the international community. The association has therefore urged tourist guides to perform their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and dignity.
Strengthening Professionalism in Tourism
The action against unlicensed guides is intended to strengthen professionalism and regulatory compliance within Nepal’s tourism sector. Ensuring that foreign tourists are accompanied by authorized guides can contribute to better service standards, protect the reputation of Nepal’s tourism industry, and promote a more organized visitor experience. TURGAN said it will continue to work with relevant authorities, including the Tourist Police, to discourage unauthorized guiding activities and encourage compliance with licensing requirements.
