PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) has issued a mandatory directive requiring all tourist guides and tour operators to register under the Tourism Act before organising or conducting trips to any tourist destination within the province.
According to the official notice, it is now compulsory for all service providers in the tourism sector to obtain a valid license from the Tourist Services Wing of the KPCTA prior to planning or executing any tours. This measure aims to regularise the industry and ensure that all operations are conducted within the legal framework of the provincial tourism laws.
To ensure strict compliance, the Authority has mobilised tourism inspection teams across the province. These teams are authorised to conduct on-the-spot checks of tour operators and guides. Unregistered individuals or companies found operating without a legal license will face immediate heavy fines, and their entire tour group will be sent back from the destination, regardless of their itinerary.
The KPCTA has specified that any operator failing to produce relevant documentation during a tour will be issued a show-cause notice and hit with a spot fine of Rs. 40,000. Furthermore, the Authority has advised all tourists to verify the licensing status of their chosen guides or operators before booking or starting their journeys to avoid any inconvenience, delays, or legal complications during their travels in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
