As the number of foreign tourists working as tour guides is on the rise in the lake city of Pokhara over the recent years, Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN) has stated that it will now take an initiative to curb such illegal activity.
Such a tendency has been affecting the income and livelihood of the local registered tour guides and could also expose tourists to various harms, TAAN officials said.
According to Chairperson of the TAAN´s West Zonal Chapter, Narayan Prasad Sapkota, most of such illegally working foreigners have been living in Nepal for a long time.
“Their slight knowledge of Nepal doesn´t qualify them for this job. Actions will be taken if any foreigners are caught henceforth,” Sapkota told Republica.
Sapkota added that these foreigners should understand that their involvement in this job is completely illegal and detrimental to the livelihood of the local guides.
“Moreover, such illegal activities affects revenue collection besides compromising safety of the tourists,” Sapkota added.
Besides the foreigners, many local organizations and hotels have been offering tour packages to foreign tourists without the consent of TAAN.
Chairperson of the West Zonal Chapter of Union of Trekkers and Travels Rafting Workers of Nepal, Bijaya KC also voiced concern over the illegal involvement of the hotelier´s and foreigners in the trekking business.
source: republica, 08 Sept 2013
