$50,000 investment, other new requirements eyed for NMI tour operators

The House Committee on Commerce and Tourism recommends additional requirements for tour operators to help improve the industry, including a minimum investment of $50,000, the employment of at least one tour guide, and civil fines of up to $2,000.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Joseph C. Reyes, recommends the passage of House Bill 16-32 in the form of House Draft 1.

House Bill 16-32, introduced by Reyes, authorizes the Marianas Visitors Authority to regulate tour operators and tour guides in the CNMI.

Reyes brought up the issue of regulating tour operators and tour guides during last month’s Marine Sports Forum sponsored by the Coastal Resources Management.

“Imposing additional requirements on tour businesses will ensure that only legitimate tour businesses operate in the Commonwealth,” the committee said in its four-page report.

The other requirements for tour operators include membership and certification by MVA, maintaining a bank account under the business name, maintaining an office space in the CNMI, and having insurance as required by MVA.

In order to be certified by MVA, prospective tour guides will need to attend training courses to learn about the history, culture and scenic landmarks and attractions of the CNMI, and to attain proficiency in English and other relevant languages.

The tour guide training course is to be developed by MVA, in consultation with Northern Marianas College, the Historic Preservation Office, and other relevant entities.

The bill further tasks the MVA board of directors with establishing rules of professional conduct for tour operators and tour guides.

The committee said House Bill 16-32’s intent is to address the numerous complaints regarding the lack of professionalism and misleading advertised services provided by individuals acting as tour guides or tour operators.

“Such complaints range from tourists being provided with inaccurate information while on tours or tourists being picked up at the airport by tour guides inappropriately dressed and taken to a hotel in a personal vehicle that is dirty and unsafe in appearance,” the committee said.

These complaints, said the committee, will eventually have a negative impact on both the CNMI’s tourism industry and the overall goal of promoting the CNMI as a premier tourist destination.

The bill also provides for up to $2,000 in civil fine for tour operators employing an uncertified tour guide, and a civil fine of $500 to $2,000 for misrepresentation.