The ‘Eighth National Tourist Guide Conference,’ organized by the Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN), commenced today with a strong emphasis on the indispensable role tourist guides play in promoting Nepal on the global stage.
Inaugurating the event, Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang highlighted the significance of tourist guides in showcasing Nepal’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Minister Tamang stressed that the narratives provided by tourist guides are crucial in shaping tourists’ perceptions, thus underscoring the need for continuous training to adapt to evolving times.
TURGAN President Thaneshwor Devkota addressed the conference, focusing on the issue of unauthorized guides in heritage areas. He called for the implementation of automatic and regular license checks by tourist police and heritage site staff. Devkota emphasized the necessity of having licensed guides lead foreign guests through heritage sites, promoting a more structured and professional approach.
Additionally, TURGAN highlighted the importance of including tourist guides in tourism promotion programs organized by the Nepal government and the tourism board, both locally and internationally. President Devkota advocated for recognizing tourist guides as cultural ambassadors, urging the government to integrate them as essential components of the tourism industry. He called for regular refresher training, suitable opportunities, and guarantees of professional rights for tourist guides.
The conference aims to tackle key issues faced by tourist guides and discuss strategies to enhance their contributions to Nepal’s tourism sector. The pivotal role of tourist guides in enriching the tourist experience and promoting Nepal’s heritage globally was a central theme, reflecting their importance in the country’s tourism industry.
