E-Paper
Nepal to impose service charges on foreign trekkers
To make trekking more systematic and manageable, Nepal Tourism Board has decided to formally introduce Travel Information Management System (TIMS) card that will impose service charges on foreign trekkers from April 1.
To make trekking more systematic and manageable, Nepal Tourism Board has decided to formally introduce Travel Information Management System (TIMS) card that will impose service charges on foreign trekkers from April 1.
Tourism Board and and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce TIMS.
Under the TIMS, all overseas tourist will have to pay for a TIMS card to trek in the country. NTB and TAAN had been providing such TIMS Card for free for the last two years
To acquire TIMS card, free individual trekkers will require to pay $20 while trekkers who goes for trekking in a group through trekking companies will have to pay USD 10.
TAAN had implemented TIMS for two years (2008-2009) on trial basis.
One-third of its collections will be spent for maintaining database and rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services.
Another one-third will be utilised for the welfare of labourers.
Remaining fund will be spent on infrastructure expansion, conservation and maintenance of existing trekking trails and exploration of new trails apart from holding training for sustainable and responsible tourism.
