KATHMANDU: Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), to control illegal operations and for proper maintenance of trekkers’ data, is trying to implement a one-window Trekking Information Management System (TIMS).

According to TAAN president Jyoti Adhikari, the multi-window system is not effective as it is hard to take action against illegal activities as the data are not exact and accurate due to lack of a control mechanism. “ We are on the trail basis now but as soon as the gazette is published we will get full authority to conduct the TIMS,” said Adhikari.

The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation decided on May 13 has named TAAN as the authorised body to implement the one-window system through it. “We are working on software designing through which we will be updated about tourist arrivals and other personal data in order to control illegal activities in this sector,” said Adhikari.

According to Adhikari, TAAN is all set for the implementation of TIMS. Along with the control mechanism through software, there will be representatives at major gateways for cross-checks. “Through web based data we can get information about the peak time movements and prepare for control. We will also get to know about the routes which have maximum flow of tourist and trekkers,” Adhikari said.

Contributors awarded

KATHMANDU: On the occasion of second International Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) Day, TAAN announced the names of persons awarded for contribution to the tourism sector in four different categories. Shailee Basnet was named for Sagarmatha Climber Award, Madhu Jung Pandey for TAAN Sagarmatha Journalist Award, Pratik Dhakal for TAAN Pasang Lhamu Educational Award and Dr Siddhartha Bajra Bajracharya for TAAN Pema Doma Eco Tourism Award. Each will get a cash prize of Rs 25,000, said TAAN during a press meet. — HNS

Apa’s plea

KATHMANDU: On tsecond International Mount Sagarmatha (Everest) Day, Apa Sherpa urged the government to promote Nepal as the world’s best adventure tourism destination. According to him, there are not promotional activities to boost the mountaineering sector. “ High royalty is charged, $10,000 per person,” said Sherpa. There must be proper facilities for tourist arriving here for trekking, he said.

About the Eco Everest Expedition, Sherpa said new waste control strategies have been formed. “If a person is found guilty of littering the Sagarmatha, he/she will not get the $4000 deposit amount back,” he added. — HNS