KATHMANDU: The Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (Turgan) has begun taking action against individuals guiding tourists without valid licences, stepping up enforcement in coordination with the Tourist Police as authorities intensify efforts to ensure only legally authorised guides serve visitors.

Turgan said it took action against unlicensed guides during an inspection conducted in Bhaktapur on Saturday in coordination with the Tourist Police. The association has also urged tourist guides whose licences have expired or are due for renewal to renew them and visibly display their valid licences while guiding foreign tourists at heritage and other tourist sites.

The enforcement comes days after the Bagmati Province Tourism Office warned tourism businesses against using unlicensed guides for trekking, hiking, rafting and other tourist activities. The office said it had received complaints about individuals providing tourism services, including to foreign tourists, without obtaining the licences required under prevailing laws.

Under the provincial office's notice, tourism businesses, travel and trekking agencies, hotels and homestays and other service providers must use guides who hold the required licence. Businesses have also been instructed to verify a guide's licence, its validity, qualifications and authorisation for the particular tourism activity.

The office has warned that legal action could be taken against individuals or businesses found using or working as unlicensed guides. Where tourism services are operated through unlicensed guides, the concerned individuals or businesses could also be held responsible for legal, professional and other liabilities arising under the prevailing law.

The provincial office has further asked tourism businesses to maintain records of the guides they employ or use, including licence details and other required documents, while stressing tourist safety, welfare and compliance with applicable laws, regulations and standards.

Turgan President Prabha Laxmi Pradhanang has urged travel and trekking companies to employ only licensed and legally recognised tourist guides when taking foreign visitors to tourist sites. She said guides also have a responsibility to project a positive image of Nepal to international visitors and called on them to work in a disciplined and professional manner.

The latest measures come as authorities and tourism organisations seek to strengthen professionalism and accountability in tourist services, particularly amid concerns over the use of unlicensed personnel in activities involving foreign visitors.