Tourism Board and and Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce TIMS.
Under the TIMS, all overseas tourist will have to pay for a TIMS card to trek in the country. NTB and TAAN had been providing such TIMS Card for free for the last two years
To acquire TIMS card, free individual trekkers will require to pay USD 20 while trekkers who goes for trekking in a group through trekking companies will have to pay USD 10.
TAAN had implemented TIMS for two years (2008-2009)on trial basis.
One-third of its collections will be spent for maintaining database and rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services.
Another one-third will be utilised for the welfare of labourers.
Remaining fund will be spent on infrastructure expansion, conservation and maintenance of existing trekking trails and exploration of new trails apart from holding training for sustainable and responsible tourism.
Meanwhile, the pro-Maoist trekking workers have launched agitation to press for their demands which includes hike in pay and perks
They also warned to halt trekking activities for indefinite period if their demands are not met.
On Wednesday, a group of trekkers from UK were stopped in Pokhara by the pro-Maoist trekking workers.
TAAN President Shrestha asked the Maoists to stop their agitation and come forward for dialogue to resolve their problems.