KP makes registration mandatory for tour guides, operators

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has made registration and licencing mandatory for tour guides and tour operators, barring unlicenced individuals from conducting tourism-related activities.

The provincial tourism department said that all tour guides and operators must obtain licences under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Act 2019 before offering services.

Applicants will be required to submit registration details, tax documents and other relevant paperwork to secure a licence, the department said.

It added that tour operators must get their tour plans approved in advance by the relevant authority, while guides will be required to maintain records of tourists during trips.

Officials warned that action would be taken against unregistered guides and operators at tourist sites, adding that only licensed and registered individuals would be allowed to operate.

Violations of the new rules could result in fines of up to 40,000 Pakistani rupees per person, the department said.