LEGISLATION will be introduced to address the alleged lack of professionalism and misleading advertisement about the CNMI being provided by certain tour operators.
A bill drafted by the Marianas Visitors Authority states that “MVA and various travel agencies both in the CNMI and abroad have received numerous complaints regarding the lack of professionalism and misleading advertised tour services provided by individuals acting as tour guides or tour operators.”
The bill would regulate the operation of tour guides and tour operation businesses. It will be introduced by House Tourism Committee Chairman Frank Aldan, R-Saipan.
Unless resolved immediately, such concern would “eventually have a negative impact on both our tourism industry and on our overall goal of promoting the CNMI as a premiere tourist destination.”
The bill seeks to develop a standard of conduct for tour guides and tour operators “to ensure that they do not act in a manner that will discredit the CNMI, its people, and its businesses.”
The bill aims to amend an existing law on tour operations to include a provision which requires the issuance of certifications for the successful completion of language proficiency examination and training in the history, culture, and scenic attractions of the CNMI.
Tour operators also need to be an MVA member of good standing, have an investment of at least $150,000 in the CNMI, maintain an office in the commonwealth, employ a minimum of three tour guides and service a minimum of 200 tourists a month.
The legislation would also allow MVA to set reasonable fees for its implementation.
The business licenses of tour operators and tour guides found violating the proposed measure may be revoked or suspended. They may also be asked to pay a fine of $100 to $1,000.
