With a view to checking illegal operations in the trekking industry and ensuring safety and security of trekkers, the Nepal Government has introduced a new rule that requires all trekkers to go on trekking in various parts of the country only through registered trekking agencies after obtaining a Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) from Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN). As an umbrella organization of more than 550 registered trekking companies of Nepal, TAAN has been authorized by the Nepal Government to issue TRC and the new rule is scheduled to come into force from October 1, 2006. TAAN will charge a minimum amount of money as administrative and service fee for issuing TRC. As a record of trekkers, TRC incorporates their personal details, trekking routes, duration, etc. The provision is introduced in order to upgrade the service standard and for better management of sustainable mountain tourism development in Nepal. Trekking without TRC is illegal and subject to charge fines and other punishments in accordance with the laws of the Nepal Government.

IMPORTANCE AND NECESSITY OF TRC

It is very important to have a kind of monitoring and facilitating system in place for any sort of outdoor activity that involves physical risk. Trekking is a major outdoor activity in Nepal's mountain tourism. Given the rugged physical condition and remoteness of almost all trekking areas of Nepal's Himalayan mountain region, a record system is very essential that would be helpful in monitoring the safety and security of trekkers. The past experiences have shown that difficulties have been faced while carrying out rescue operations promptly during the times of natural calamities. Because of lack of proper record system of trekkers, their exact whereabouts and the information about trekking routes, rescue and search missions used to face difficulties in spotting the trekkers missing.

The Nepal Government is very serious about implementing TRC as a mechanism to control all sorts of anomaly, including illegal operations, and to ensure safety and security of trekkers. Therefore, TAAN, as a national tourism organization working in the field of sustainable mountain tourism in Nepal, has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing TRC. As per TAAN’s proposed hassle-free procedure, TRC is being issued to each and every trekker traveling only through the registered trekking agencies.

The decision regarding the introduction of TRC is a welcome step taken in its policies and programmes by the Nepal Government. So, TAAN is in the process of developing a well-managed and efficient system with nominal service charge of Nepali rupees 250 (equivalent US$ 3.5 only) to implement TRC in the open trekking areas of Nepal. TRC is going to be issued from convenient locations of Kathmandu and Pokhara.

TRC ISSUING SYSTEM

The following considerations have been taken into account in the process of issuing TRC:

1. All important details of trekkers and trekking routes will be maintained on a computerized record system that may be useful for safety and security of trekkers and field-staff.

2. The data generated from the system will be useful to all stakeholders -- tourism organizations, government agencies, diplomatic missions, tour operators, research institutes, etc.

3. Unauthorized trekking operations will be controlled, thus, resulting into better management of trekking service and in benefit of all concerned - trekkers, agencies, field - staff, government, etc. and also occasional untoward incidents will be better prevented.

4. TAAN will be able to work more in its effort of preservation of natural and cultural environment in cooperation with local communities. This, in turn, will enable to promote sustainable tourism.

5. The issue of TRC will be so simplified that it would be prompt and inexpensive. The convenient TRC counter in Kathmandu will remain open 12 hours a day all the seven days a week round the year. Pokhara counter will be opened for 9 hours a day. The TRC counters will be located close to the counters of the National Parks and Conservation Areas.

6. TAAN’s Media Centre will have updated information about the conditions of trails and other relevant insights into the trekking areas. The same information also will be updated frequently in the TAAN's web page. Some of the check posts along the trekking routes will be equipped with telephone services by TAAN.

TRC REGULATORY PROVISIONS

1. Trekkers must keep Trekking Registration Certificate (TRC) along with them while trekking.
2. TRC must be shown to TAAN authorities, National Park check posts, Conservation Area Project’s check posts and police check posts on demand.
3. Deviation from the prescribed trekking areas shall be taken as a violation of law of the Government of Nepal
4. Trekkers must keep their copies of passports along with them during trekking for verification.
5. TRC shall be non-transferable, non-refundable and non-endorsable and valid only for single entry.

KATHMANDU, Sept 23 - The government has granted permission to all international airlines currently flying to Nepal to operate three more flights in a week over the existing schedule. The government's step is aimed at easing the increasing demand of more air seats from tourists planning to visit to Nepal during the upcoming peak tourism season.
Speaking at the 28th annual general meeting of Trekking Agents Association of Nepal on Friday, Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said, “Due to the crunch of air seats availability, the government has taken a temporary measure to let the international airlines add three more flights each week until December 31.” He said the government is also serious in luring new international airlines to Nepal.

The government's announcement has come at a time when major international airlines said they are packed for the forthcoming peak tourism season, starting from October. Lots of tourists, especially from Europe are unable to visit Nepal this peak season, as air tickets are not available to travel here.

Qatar Airways has shown keen interest in increasing its flights to Nepal. “As soon as we get the formal permission, we will raise the number of flights to Nepal to 14 each week, from the current 11 flights,” said Gyan Amerasinghe, area manager of Qatar Airways in Nepal.

After years of slump, the forthcoming season is seen as a very good time for tourism industry, thanks to the four-month long cease-fire. Hotels are having above 80 percent bookings for this season, probably the highest booking recorded in the last six years.

Minister Gyawali said in order to further promote tourism, the government is seriously planning to strengthen the national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), by expanding its fleet. “The government is determined to buy new aircraft for the NAC,” he said.

Gyawali also said the government had initiated preparation to reduce royalties imposed for trekking in upper Mustang and Dolpa. “We are planning to exempt royalties to Indian tourists in both the trekking areas. Also, we are preparing to cut down royalties by 50 percent in upper Mustang and by 75 percent in upper Dolpa for tourists from third countries,” he said.

Currently, the government charges each tourist US$70 per day in upper Mustang. Also, trekkers are required to pay at least seven days' royalties to trek there. The royalty charge for upper Dolpa is US$90 per day.

Source: eKantipur.com

Sweden lifts travel advisory against Nepal

The Government of Sweden has lifted the travel advisory against Nepal effective from September 7, 2006. It was stated in a letter sent to Nepalese Embassy- UK by Dr. Roland Dahlam, Consul General of Nepalese Consulate General in Sweden, according to a news report of the NTB Media Centre.

The lifting of travel advisory will allow the Swedish travellers to get travel insurance to visit Nepal. Travel insurance is very common among the Swedish population and will again be effective in connection with travel to Nepal, he said. Dr. Dahlman said that it would help to increase the number of visitors from Sweden to Nepal.