TAAN demands for effective regulation of taking guide and porter mandatory while trekking

Kathamndu, Nov 4. Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) along with Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Department of Tourism (DoT) visited Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mr. Krishna Prasad Devkota on November 02 2018, to discuss on Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) and proper implementation of porter and guide mandatory while trekking.

Speaking in the meeting, TAAN President Mr. Nava Raj Dahal emphasized on importance of TIMS to ensure safety and security of trekkers and to control illegal trekking operation. TIMS being implemented in only particular area of Annapurna Region, he expressed that TIMS is the property of government and must be implemented effectively in every trekking region. Foregrounding on prohibiting Free Individual Trekkers, he said that trekkers will be more safe and secure and less uncertain accidents can occur while trekking with porter and guide. Also, he requested Secretary Devkota on increasing compensation of porter and guide in the case of death as the insurance has also increased from 5 lakhs to 10 lakhs.

NTB Board Members Deepak Mahat and Krishna Aryal said that distributing TIMS for FIT should be ended and porter guide must be taken by trekkers mandatorily. TAAN First Vice- President Mr. Jeevan Thapa Magar prioritized on value added by TIMS as it aids in data collection of trekkers in Nepal, safety and security of trekkers and promote Nepal’s mountain tourism.

TAAN General Secretary Mr. Ang Pemba Sherpa urged to conduct a press conference with international medias to disseminate the message to avoid Free Individual trekking and trek with a guide or porter from registered trekking company as it is more safe and secure to trek in Nepal “If Government does not take action against FIT, all trekking business will come to strike and handover their license to the MoCTCA.” He added.

Concluding the meeting, Secretary Mr. Devkota said to implement safe tourism in Nepal by effectively implementing TIMS. He expressed his positive voice on trekking mandatory through registered trekking company by taking porter and guide and hence, requested TAAN, NTB and DoT to organize a joint meeting soon to conclude the issue of TIMS.