The Tourism Development Department under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism yesterday issued a public warning on illegal tour guides and unlicensed individuals using foreign transportation companies.
The department said, ”The presence of unauthorised guides poses a threat to the safety, satisfaction, and the overall experience of tourists as well as the integrity of the tourism industry.”
The department urged all tourists and travel agencies to hire licensed tourist guides who possess in-depth knowledge and official licences issued by the department.
To identify licensed tour guides, visitors are advised to look for established travel agencies employing guides with official identification badges issued by the department. The badges prominently display the guide’s name, photograph, and licence number.
Travel agencies and tour operators are also advised to verify the authenticity of tour guides by cross-checking their licences with the department before engaging their services.
Under Section 21, Chapter 239 of the Tourism Act, any person who, directly or indirectly, employs, engages or otherwise uses the services of an unlicensed tourist guide – (a) whom the person knows or ought reasonably to know is an unlicensed tourist guide; or (b) with reckless disregard as to whether the tourist guide is an unlicenced tourist guide, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding BND5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding BND10,000. – James Kon
