KATHMANDU: The Bagmati Province Tourism Office has warned tourism businesses against using unlicensed guides for trekking, hiking, rafting and other tourist activities, saying complaints have been received about individuals providing tourism services without obtaining the required licences.

The office said it had received information about people who have not obtained guide licences as required by prevailing laws participating in tourism activities and providing services, including to foreign tourists. It has urged tourism businesses, travel and trekking agencies, hotels and homestays, guides and other stakeholders to strictly comply with the legal requirements.

According to the notice issued by the Bagmati Province Tourism Office, tourism businesses must provide guide services to tourists only through guides who have obtained the required licence from the office under the prevailing law.

Businesses responsible for providing tourism services have also been instructed to verify a guide's licence, its validity and whether the guide meets the required qualifications and is authorised to conduct the relevant tourism activity.

The office said tourism businesses and service providers must prioritise the safety, facilities and welfare of tourists and fully comply with applicable laws, regulations, directives, procedures and standards.

Tourism businesses operating through guides have also been asked to maintain proper records of the guides they employ or use, including their licence details and other required documents.

The office warned that legal action would be initiated against individuals or businesses if anyone is found working or having worked as a guide without the required licence.

It further said that where tourism services are found to have been operated through unlicensed guides, the concerned individuals or businesses would be responsible for any legal, professional and other liabilities arising under the prevailing law.

The office urged tourism businesses, guides and other stakeholders to strictly implement the notice to make tourism services safe, managed, professional and responsible, and to strengthen tourists' confidence in the province's tourism sector.