LexThe KARNATAKA TOURISM TRADE (FACILITATION AND REGULATION) ACT, 2015
Karnataka · state statute
Open in Lexace · Ask the AI about this actKARNATAKA ACT NO. 21 OF 2015
THE KARNATAKA TOURISM TRADE (FACILITATION AND REGULATION) ACT, 2015
Arrangement of Sections
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
Sections:
CHAPTER I - PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement
2.
Definitions
CHAPTER II
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
3. Constitution of State Tourism Council
4. Term of office and conditions of services of the non-official members
5. Powers of the chairperson
6. Meetings of the Council
7. Powers and functions of the council
CHAPTER III
REGISTRATION, RECOGNITION AND GRADING OF TOURISM TRADE RELATED
ACTIVITIES
8. Registration, Recognition and Grading
9. Application for registration, recognition and grading of tourism trade
10. Procedure for registration, recognition and grading of tourism trade
11. Maintaining records of registration
12. Publication of registered or recognised tourism trade
13. Cancellation of Registration and recognition
14. Re-gradation
15. Renewal of recognition and grading
CHAPTER IV
LICENSING
16. Tour Guides License
CHAPTER V
TOURIST MITRA
17. Tourist mitra
CHAPTER VI
DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS
18. Public Private Sector Partnership and formation of joint venture
CHAPTER VII
INFORMATION ON TOURISM
19. Statistical information
20. Database development and dissemination of information on Tourism
CHAPTER VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
21. Duties of the Government
22. Duties of the Local Authorities towards public health and sanitation etc
23. Prohibition of certain activities in tourist destinations
24. Protection and Maintenance of the tourist destination
25. Punishment for false display of recognition
26. Punishment for unauthorised usage of Government Tourism brand
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27. Protection of action taken in good faith
28. Cognizance of offences by courts
29. Appeal
30. Offences by Companies
31. Powers of the prescribed or competent authority and appellate authority to summon
32. Act to over ride other laws
33. Recovery of dues
34. Power to remove difficulties
35. Power to make regulations
36. Power to make rules
37. Delegation of powers
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS
I
Amending Act 10 of 2015.- It is considered necessary to provide for,-
(1) facilitation, regulation and promotion of tourism trade in the State;
(2) constitution of the State Tourism Council;
(3) registration, recognition and grading of tourism trade in the tourist destinations;
(4) licensing of tour guides;
(5) appointment of tourist mitra to ensure safety of the tourists;
(6) prohibition of certain activities in tourist destinations;
(7) protection and maintenance of tourist destinations;
(8) collection of statistical information from service providers and establishment of database
on tourism; and
(9) other matter connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Hence, the Bill.
[L.A. Bill No. 13 of 2015, File No. Samvyashae 08 Shasana 2015]
[entry 26 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India.]
II
Amendment Act 57 of 2025:- It is considered necessary to amend the
Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015, (Karnataka Act
No. 21 of 2015) to constitute a District Level Monitoring Committee to review and
submit the proposal regarding facilitation, regulating and promotion of tourism
trade in the jurisdiction of concerned District.
Hence, the Bill.
[L.A. Bill No. 44 of 2025, File No. SAMVYASHAE 57 SHASANA 2025]
[Entry 26 of List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India]
[Published in Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary No.565 in part-IVA
dated:10.09.2025]
III
3
Amendment A ct 61 of 2025 :- It is considered necessary to amend the
following Acts for decriminalising and rationalising offences and to further enhance
trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business, namely:-
1. the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage) Act, 1964 (Ka rnataka Act 36 of
1964);
2. the Karnataka Urban Development Authorities Act, 1987 (Karnataka Act
34 of 1987);
3. the Karnataka Agricultural produce marketing (Regulation and
Development) Act, 1966 (Karnataka Act 27 of 1966);
4. In the Karnataka Warehouse Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11 of 1962);
5. the Karnataka Tourism Trade (Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015
(Karnataka Act 21 of 2015);
6. the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966 (Karnataka Act 18
of 1966);
7. the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Pan chayatharaj Act, 1993 (Karnataka Act
14 of 1993);
8. the Karnataka Lifts, Escalators and Passenger Conveyors Act, 2012
(Karnataka Act 9 of 2013);
9. the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 22 of 1964);
10. the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976 (Karnataka Act 14 of
1977);
11. the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act 11
of 1963) ;and
12. the Karnataka Industries (Facilitation) Act, 2002 (Karnataka Act 45 of
200
Hence, the Bill.
[L.A. Bill No. 59 of 2025, File No. SAMVYASHAE 65 SHASANA 2025]
[Entries 5, 6, 28, 32 of List II and entry 20 of List III of the Seventh Schedule to the
Constitution of India]
[Published in Karnataka Gazette Extra -ordinary No.577 in part -IVA
dated:12.09.2025]
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KARNATAKA ACT NO. 21 OF 2015
(First Published in the Karnataka Gazette Extra-ordinary on the second day of May 2015)
THE KARNATAKA TOURISM TRADE (FACILITATION AND REGULATION) ACT, 2015
(Received the assent of the Governor on the thirtieth day of April 2015)
(As amended by Acts 57 of 2025 and 61 of 2025)
An Act to facilitate and regulate tourism trade in the State.
Whereas it is expedient to provide for facilitation and regulation of tourism trade in the State of
Karnataka and for the matters connected therewith or incidental thereto;
Be it enacted by the Karnataka State Legislature in the sixty sixth year of the Republic of India
as follows:-
CHAPTER I – PRELIMINARY
1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Karnataka Tourism Trade
(Facilitation and Regulation) Act, 2015.
(2) It shall come into force on such date, as far as possible not later than six months from the
date of its publication in the Official Gazette, as the Government may, by notification appoint.
2. Definitions.- (1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) “Council" means the State tourism council constituted under section 3;
(b) “Chairperson” means the Chairperson of the Council constituted under section 3;
(c) “Government” means the State Government;
(d) “Government agency” means a Government undertaking, Local Authority or body or
corporation established by or under any law and owned or controlled by the Government
or any other body or authority owned or controlled by the Government, holding not less
than fifty-one percent of paid-up share capital in such corporation or body;
(e) “Government tourism entities” shall include any State Government Department or
Government entities responsible for or entrusted with the development and promotion of
tourist destination or tourism;
(f) “Local authority” means any Gram panchayat, Town panchayat, Municipal council,
Municipal corporation, development authority or other statutory authority which is a local
self Government entrusted with the control or management of any area;
(g) "Malpractice" means,-
(i) touting which shall include pestering any tourist or group of tourists for availing
facilities of shopping, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing or even going
to the extent of harassing tourist to visit any particular premises o r
establishment, or tourism operator connected with tourism trade or any other
establishment where tourist would like to stay or purchase something;
Explanation.- Any recognized, registered or bonafide tourism operator already
engaged by any tourist or who se services were hired or resorted by the tourist
voluntarily, when receives or contacts any tourist at any place where tourist
visits, such person while so receiving or contacting shall not be treated as a tout
within the meaning of this clause;
(ii) charging a price higher than that displayed or declared;
(iii) charging remuneration higher than that fixed;
(iv) failure to display prices;
(v) failure to display tariff;
(vi) failure to give cash memo or credit memo;
(vii) failure to execute an order according to terms agreed within rea sonable time
after the expiry of the period for performance of the obligation;
(viii) charging tariff higher than fixed and displayed;
(ix) the receiving and paying of any monetary gratification or commission for touting,
coercing or forcing the tourist;
(x) use of misleading names and logos such as palace, fort, haveli even when
requisite characteristics of such places are missing; or showing of incorrect star
rating of a hotel or showing names or abreviations and logos similar to those
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which are in existence since long and reputed as such; with the intention to
attract the tourists or people at large by colourable imitation of established and
reputed name of bonafide service providers or public bodies; and
(xi) any uncalled for person waiting outside any tourist p lace and hotel with intent to
follow any tourist without his wishes;
Explanation.-For the purposes of this clause,-
(I) delay or fault in service owing to mechanical or natural failure of any
system or apparatus despite due care and caution would not amou nt to
be malpractice;
(II) inability of any service provider to perform its commitments owing to vis
major or State action, shall not be treated as a malpractice;
(h) “Member” means member of the Council constituted under Section 3;
(i) “Member Secretary” means t he member secretary of the Council constituted under
Section 3;
(j) ‘‘Nuisance" includes any act of commission or omission or carrying on of any activity,
process, operation which causes or is likely to cause injury, danger, annoyance to the
sense of sight, sm ell or hearing or which is or may be dangerous to life or injurious to
health or property;
(k) “Prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
(l) “Prescribed Authority” means authority appointed by the Government by rules for the
purpose of this Act. Different Authorities may be prescribed for different provisions of the
Act;
(m) “Public Private Partnership” means an arrangement between Government or its agency
on one side and a private sector participant on the other, for the provision of public assets
or related services for public benefit, through investments being made by or management
undertaken by the private sector participant for a specified period of time, where there is a
substantial risk sharing between the Government and the private sector participant and
where the private sector participant receives performance linked payments that conform
to specified, pre-determined and measurable performance standards;
(n) “Regulations” means regulations made under this Act;
(o) “Tour guide” means a person who, for reward, accompanies tourists visiting any tourist
destination and furnishes information or comments with regard to any matter of
significance, historical, archaeological, botanic al, ethnological, cultural, social or other
interest with respect to such location;
(p) “Tourism trade” means and includes such class of facilities, service, activities or products
relating to tourism, as may be prescribed, provided to a tourist in a premises or by any
person or travel agency regularly or occasionally and includes facilities services or
activities relating to tourism including medical tourism, eco tourism, rural tourism, water
tourism, caravan tourism and adventure tourism or any other class of tourism by whatever
name called and home stay, hotel, resort, wellness centre, visitor information centre,
interpretation centre, water sports, boat house, way side amenity, dormitories as may be
prescribed.
(q) “Tourism operator” in relation to a tourism trade, means any person, company,
association or firm or any other body who conducts or operates a tourism trade or who is
responsible for its management;
(r) “Tourist” means a person travelling to and staying in a place outside his usual place of
residence for more than twenty -four hours, but not more than one consecutive year, for
any purpose not being a work related activity remunerated from within the place visited;
Explanation: For the purposes of this clause,-
(i) person coming to establish residence in the State;
(ii) persons visiting their home town or native place on a short visit for meeting
relatives and friends, attending official work, social and religious functions
etc. and stay in their own homes or with the relatives and friends and not
using any tourism Facilities;
(iii) foreigners resident in the State having taken up job or occupation in the
State;
shall not be regarded as tourists;
(s) “Tourist destination” means any area, place, site or location in the State where tourist visit
frequently and notified as such by the Government in this behalf;
(t) “Tourist mitra” means the tourist mitra appointed under Section 17;
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(u) “Touting” includes enticing, misguiding or coercing for shopping, accommodation,
transportation, sight -seeing or pestering for any particular premises, in cluding the
precincts thereof, any person, establishment, dealer or manufacturer for personal
consideration;
Explanation.- Whoever loiters around airports, railway stations, bus stands, markets or
any other places frequented by tourists with the intention of offering unsolicited service to
the tourist or pestering or coercing to use any such service and exhibits such conduct so
as to show such intention (like following, arguing, communicating or otherwise drawing
attention of tourists through words or gestu res or placards or pamphlets and thereby
causing obstruction or annoyance to tourists or general public) and otherwise has no
reasonable explanation for frequenting in such place shall be deemed to have committed
the act of touting.
(v) “Travel Agent” means any person or agency who, arranges for, advises on, or
undertakes to provide travel arrangements for tourists including ticketing, transportation,
visa, accommodation, guided tours, organised excursions or such other arrangements as
may be prescribed;
(w) “Vice Chairperson” shall means the vice chairperson of the Council constituted under
Section 3.
(x)
CHAPTER II
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
3. Constitution of State Tourism Council. - (1) The State Government shall, as soon as
possible after the commencement of this Act, but not later than six months from the date of
commencement of this Act by notification, constitute a council to be called the “Karnataka State
Tourism Council” (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) consisting of the following members,
namely;-
(a) The Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka Chairperson
(b) The Minister for Tourism, Government of Karnataka Vice Chairperson
(c) The Additional Chief Secretary to Government,
Department of Tourism
Member
(d) The Principal Secretary to Government, Department
of Finance
Member
(e) The Additional Chief Secretary to Government,
Department of Home
Member
(f) The Principal Secretary to Government, Department
of Infrastructure development
Member
(g) The Secretary to Government, Department of
Information Technology
Member
(h) The Principal Secretary to Government, Department
of Revenue
Member
(i) The Principal Secretary to Government, Department
of Public Works and Inland water transport
Member
(j) The Principal Secretary to Government, Department
of Kannada, Culture and Information
Member
(k) The Additional Chief Secretary to Government,
Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment
Member
(l) The Director, Department of Tourism Member Secretary
(m) Six members nominated by the State Government
from amongst the concerned stakeholders of travel
and tourism sector having adequate knowledge and
professional experience of at least fifteen
years in their respective field and in a position to
provide insights in formulating strategies for
promotion of tourism in the State of which atleast
one shall be a person belonging to the Scheduled
Castes or the Scheduled Tribes and one shall be a
woman.
Non-official Members
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Provided that, the Chairperson may invite any person as he deems necessary to be a special
invitee to the Council.
(2) The headquarters of the Council shall be at Bengaluru or at such other place as may be
notified by the Government.
1[3-A. District Level Monitoring Committee.- (1) There shall be constituted a District Level
Monitoring Committee to review and submit the proposal regarding facilitation, regulating and
promotion of tourism trade in the jurisdiction of the concerned District.
(2) The District Level Monitoring Committee shall consist of the following members, namely:-
(a) The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned District Ex-officio Chairperson
(b) The Superintendent of Police of the concerned
District
Ex-officio member
(c) The Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat of
the concerned District
Ex-officio member
(d) The Deputy Conservator of forest of the concerned
District
Ex-officio member
(e) The Superintending Engineer, Public Works
Department of the concerned Jurisdictional District
Ex-officio member
(f) The Deputy Director of Archaeological Department of
the concerned District
Ex-officio member
(g) Three members nominated by the State Government
and three members nominated by the District
Committee from amongst the concerned
stakeholders of travel and tourism sector having
adequate knowledge and professional experience in
their respective fields of which at least one shall be a
person belonging to the Scheduled Caste or
Scheduled Tribes and one person belonging to the
Backward Classes:
Provided that out of six members one member shall
be a woman.
Members
(h) The Deputy Director, Tourism, Department of the
concerned District
Ex-officio member Secretary
(3) The District Level Monitoring Committee shall submit suitable proposals to the State
Tourism Council for the works/proposals to be undertaken in respect of their departments within the
jurisdiction of the concerned district.]1
1. Inserted by Act 57 of 2025 w.e.f.10.09.2025.
4. Term of office and conditions of services of the non -official members.- (1) Subject to
the pleasure of the Government, the nominated non-official members shall hold office for a period not
exceeding three years. However, the non-official members may be reappointed for a further period of
three years.
(2) A non -official member may resign his office by writing in person addressed to the
Government but shall continue in office until his resignation is accepted.
(3) A non-official member shall receive such allowances as may be provided in regulations.
5. Powers of the chairperson. - (1) The chairperson shall have powers of general
superintendence and directions in the conduct of the affairs of the Council.
(2) The chairperson shall, preside over the meetings of the council as well as exer cise and
discharge the powers and functions of the council as are vested in him in accordance with the
regulations.
6. Meetings of the Council. - (1) The council shall meet at such times and places and
observe such procedure in regard to transaction of business at the meetings including the quorum as
may be provided in the regulations.
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(2) When the chairperson of the council, or in his absence the vice -chairperson, and in the
absence of both the chairperson and the Vice -chairperson, any other member chosen by the
members present from amongst themselves shall preside over the meeting of the council.
(3) All questions at a meeting of the council shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the
members present and voting and, in the case of any equality of votes, the person presiding shall have
a second or casting vote.
(4) No act or proceeding of the council shall be invalid merely by reason of, -
(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of the council; or
(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a chairperson or vice -chairperson
or member of the council; or
(c) any irregularity in the procedure of the council not affecting the merits of the case.
7. Powers and functions of the council.- (1) The council shall,-
(a) act as an apex body in the matter relating to the development and promotion of
tourism;
(b) make recommendations to the Government on the matter relating to development
and promotion of tourism;
(c) advise and give suggestions to the Government touri sm entities in discharge of its
functions under this Act;
(d) coordinate and support marketing or promotion activity in relation to tourism
conducted by the Government tourism entities;
(e) work collaboratively with Central Government, neighbouring states and oth er
tourism related agencies to develop state tourism sector; and
(f) any other powers or functions as may be prescribed.
(2) The council shall have power to do all things expedient or reasonably necessary for, or
incidental to, the performance of its functions.
(3) The council may through regulations establish one or more committees as it may deem
necessary to assist council in carrying out its functions and may vest such of its functions as it
considers appropriate to the committees so established.
(4) All proceedings of the council shall be authenticated by the member secretary.
CHAPTER III
REGISTRATION, RECOGNITION AND GRADING OF TOURISM TRADE RELATED ACTIVITIES
8. Registration, Recognition and Grading.- (1) Every category of tourism trade in the tourist
destination shall be registered, recognised and graded in accordance with the procedures set out in
the rules made under this Act from time to time.
(2) The rules issued under sub-section (1) may in particular make provision,-
(a) as to the standard and norms of the tourism trade intended to be registered under the
Act;
(b) for the charging of annual or other periodical fees for registration, recognition, renewal
and grading;
(c) for the issue and display of certificates of registration and the display of signs i ndicating
that a tourism trade is registered;
(d) for the inspection of tourism trade and for powers of entry for that purpose;
(e) for requiring the criteria in accordance with which the classification or grading is carried
out;
(f) for the publication of any criteria so determined;
(g) as to the form and contents of the register or registers to be maintained under the rules
and as to the tourism trade to be registered therein;
(h) benefits or incentives available for registered or graded tourism trade; and
(i) such other supplem entary and incidental provisions as the Government may find
necessary or expedient.
(3) No person shall conduct or operate any of the tourism trade in any tourist destination with
respect to which the rules and regulating such tourism trade is made under t his Act, unless such
category of tourism trade is registered, recognised or graded:
Provided that a person who is carrying on any category of tourism trade on the date of
commencement of the rules regulating such category of trade may continue to carryon s uch trade if
he has made application for registration, recognition or grading under this Act unless it is rejected:
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Provided, further that where a tourism trade is registered by Government of India, such
tourism trade may be exempted from registration and grading under this Act. The tourism
operator of such facility shall provide a copy of the certificate of registration or grading, as the case
may be, issued by Government of India to Department of Tourism. On verification of such certificate,
the Department of Tourism may exempt such tourism trade from the requirement of registration or
grading under this Act.
(4) Any person found contravening sub -section (3) with respect to any tourism trade after
expiry of one year from the date of commencement of this Act, shall be guilty of an offence and on
conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding rupees ten thousand .
1[(5) Any person or Organisation who having been found to be conducting or operating a
category of tourism trade requiring mandatory registration or recognition under sub -section (3),
without such valid registration, and having been subjected to an initial penalty or warming for such
non-compliance under sub -section (4), continues to contrivance the provisions of sub -section (3),
shall be liable to further penalties and administrative sanctions to be imposed by the prescribed
Authority in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed.
(a) For the first such instance of contravention, such person shall be liable to a monetary
penalty as may be prescribed, Authority may order the suspension, for a period which may
extend to three months of any existing trade license or No Objection Certifi cate (NOC)
from local authorities held by such person for the tourism trade concerned or may direct
such authorities to suspend the same.
(b) For the second such instance of continued contravention, such person shall be liable to a
monetary penalty, which shal l be significantly higher than that for the first instance of
continued contravention, as may be prescribed. In addition, the prescribed authority may
order the suspension, for a period which may extend to six months of any existing trade
license or No Obj ection Certificate from local authorities held by such person for the
tourism trade concerned or may direct such authorities to suspend the same.
(c) For the third or any subsequent such instance of continued contravention, such person
shall be liable to a mon etary penalty, which shall be significantly higher than that for the
second instance of continued contravention, such penalty shall be as may be prescribed.
The prescribed authority shall order the cancellation or termination or direct the
concerned loca l authorities to cancel or terminate, any existing trade license or No
Objection Certificate held by such person for the tourism trade concerned:
Provided that, no such monetary penalty or administrative sanction shall be imposed without
giving the person concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard. The rules shall also prescribe
the criteria for determining continued and repeat offenses and the appellate mechanism.]1
1. Substituted by Act 61 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………….
9. Application for registrat ion, recognition and grading of tourism trade. - The tourism
operator who is conducting or operating or intends to conduct or operate any category of a tourism
trade in a tourist destination shall within six months from the date of commencement of the rules with
regard to such category of tourism trade, apply to the prescribed authority for registration, recognition
and grading of tourism trade in such manner and in such form and along with such fee as may be
prescribed.
10. Procedure for registration, recognition and grading of tourism trade. - (1) On receipt
of an application for registration, recognition or grading of an y tourism trade, the prescribed authority
shall cause inspection under sub -section (3) and if it is of the opinion that the requiremen ts for such
registration, recognition and grading, as the case may be have been complied with, register,
recognise and grade such tourism trade. Where the prescribed authority is of the opinion that the
rules have not been complied with, it may refuse to r egister, recognise and grade the tourism trade
for the reasons to be recorded.
(2) The prescribed authority shall verify an application for registration, recognition and grading
of a tourism trade within ninety days following the date of receipt of such application.
(3) Before registering, recognising or grading of a tourism trade, the prescribed authority,-
(a) shall inspect the tourism trade or shall cause the tourism trade to be inspected through an
authorized officer or Government agency;
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(b) may call for a r eport from any authorized officer or Government agency appointed for the
purpose of assisting them in taking decision on registration, recognition or grading;
(c) may make or cause to be made such further investigations in regard thereto as it
considers necessary.
(4) On the registration, recognition or grading of tourism trade, the prescribed authority shall
issue to the tourism trade a certificate in the form prescribed.
11. Maintaining records of registration. - (1) Before or as soon as possible after the
publication of any rules under sub -section (1) of Section 8 requiring the registration, recognition and
grading of any class of tourism trade, the Department of Tourism shall establish a cell for maintaining
records of tourism trade registered, recognised and graded under this Act.
(2) The Department of Tourism shall also maintain the records and notify from time to time the
tourism trade that are registered recognized or graded by Government of India.
12. Publication of registered or recognised tourism trade.- The Department of Tourism
shall publish, once in a year or at such other intervals as the Government may direct, a list of tourism
trades that have been registered and recognised together with such information as it thinks proper in
relation to the grades and standards of such facilities and any other matter of interest to tourists.
13. Cancellation of Registration and recognition. - (1) Whenever it comes to the notice of
the prescribed authority and if it considers that there has been a failure in respect of a registered and
recognised tourism trade to comply with any of the prescribed conditions or requirements regarding
registration, recognition or grading, the prescribed authority may give notice to the tourism operator of
such tourism trade requiring him to comply with the conditions or requirements, within a period not
exceeding thirty days of such notice, failure of which shall render the registration, recognition or
grading liable for cancellation.
(2) The tourist operator of a registered and recognised tourism trade in respect of which a
notice has been issued under sub -section (1) shall, before the expiry of the period specified in the
notice, make written reply to the prescribed authority giving reasons as to continue the registration
and recognition.
(3) If, upon the expiry of the period specified in a notice given in terms of sub -section (1), the
prescribed authority considers that the condition or requirement has not been co mplied with and that
no good reason has been shown as to why the tourism trade concerned should remain registered
and recognised, it may cancel the registration and recognition of the tourism trade, and give notice of
cancellation to the tourism operator.
14. Re-gradation.- (1) The prescribed authority may at any time on inspection done by it or
any authorised officer after giving a tourism operator a reasonable opportunity of making written
representations in the matter, re -grade the tourism trade if, in its opinion, reasonable and sufficient
grounds exist for doing so.
(2) The tourism operator whose tourism trade has been graded may, subject to such
conditions and accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed, apply to the prescribed authority in
the prescribed form and manner for the re-grading of the tourism trade.
(3) The prescribed authority shall consider any application made under sub -section (2) and
give its decision and take action as it considers appropriate.
15. Renewal of recognition and grading .- Recognition or grading certificate obtained with
regard to any tourism trade under this Act shall be renewed once in every five years in such manner
along with such fee as may be prescribed in the rules issued with respect to such tourism trade.
CHAPTER IV
LICENSING
16. Tour Guides License.- (1) License shall be issued by the prescribed authority to the tour
guides in accordance with the procedure set out in the rules made under this Act. The rules shall also
prescribe the educational qu alification, syllabus, training and procedure for selection of the tour
guides.
(2) The prescribed authority shall regulate the matter as to the number of tour guide licenses
to be issued in the tourist destination.
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(3) The tour guide licensee under sub -section (1) shall hold an identity card, which shall be
displayed in the manner prescribed.
(4) The prescribed authority may refuse to issue tour guide license to a person under this
section if that person,-
(a) is convicted of any criminal offence, within five years immediately preceding the date
of his application for registration; or
(b) has history or record of being a criminal; or
(c) does not fall within the qualification provided under this section;
and shall inform that person the reasons for such refusal
(5) Every tour guide licensed under this Act shall be required to,-
(a) comply with the rules made under this Act;
(b) use approved route or trails to guide the tourists; and
(c) be polite, hospitable, helpful and friendly to tourists or visitors.
(6) Any person may, lodge a complaint in writing with the prescribed authority against any tour
guide who has contravened any provisions of this Act or rules made thereunder.
(7) Where the prescribed authority is satisfied that the tour guide has contravened any of the
provisions of this Act, he may suspend or cancel the licence of such tour guide.
(8) Any person found acting as a tour guide, without obtaining licence from the prescribed
authority, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding rupees two thousand upon the matter being reported
to the prescribed authority by tourist mitra or any officer of Department of Tourism. On such report,
the prescribed authority shall hold enquiry and afford opportunity of hearing to the person concerned
before passing orders for 1[penalty]1.
1[(9) Any person who, having been previously penalised under sub -section (8), for acting as a
Guide without valid license or registration or in contravention of the conditions of license or
registration, continues to act as such or repeats the of fense, shall be liable to further penalties and
administrative sanctions to be imposed by the Prescribed Authority in such manner as may be
prescribed.
(a) For the first such offense, such person shall be liable to a monetary penalty as may
be prescribed. The Prescribed Authority may order the suspension of their license or registration
or recognition (If any previously obtained and is being misused or if they are operating despite a
prior penalty for non registration), for a period which may extend to three months.
(b) For the second such repeated offense, such person shall be liable to a monetary
penalty, which shall be significantly higher than that for the first repeated offense, as may be
prescribed and the Prescribed Authority may of their license or order th e suspension registration
or recognition (if any) for a period which may extend to six months.
(c) For the third or any subsequent such repeated offence such person shall be liable
to a monetary penalty, which shall be significantly higher than that for the se cond repeated
offence, as may be prescribed. In addition, the Prescribed Authority shall order the cancellation
or permanent revocation of any license or registration or recognition held by such person and
may debar them from applying for registration for a prescribed period:
Provided that, no such monetary penalty or administrative sanction shall be imposed
without giving the person concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard. The criteria for
determining continued and repeat offenses and the appellate mechanism shall be as may be
prescribed.]1
1. Substituted by Act 61 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………….
CHAPTER V
TOURIST MITRA
17. Tourist mitra. - (1) A group of specially trained cadre known as tourist mitra shall be
appointed in a tourist destination by the Department of Tourism on such terms and conditions as may
be specified by it from time to time with prior approval of the Government to ensure necessary
assistance to the tourists and to protect the tourist against any kind of harassment:
Provided that the Department of Tourism may by notification designate any employee of the
authority or organisation in charge of management of tourist destination as tourist mitra in
consultation with that authority or organisation.
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(2) The tourist mitra shall discharge such functions as are assigned to him under this Act and
such other functions as the state Government may assign to him in accordance with law for the time
being in force in the State in collaboration and co-ordination with the Department of Tourism.
(3) The Department of Tourism shall deploy the tourist mitra at various places in the tourist
destination in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner of the District and Superintendent of Police
incharge of that area.
(4) The officer incharge of the Department of Tourism having jurisdiction over the local area
comprising the tourist destination shall have power to give directions to the tourist mitra if and when
such occasion arises and he shall comply with those directions in the matters of functions assigned to
him under this Act or the rules or regulations made there under.
(5) The tourist mitra shall keep watch on Nuisance, Touts, hawkers, etc. for enforcing the
provisions of this Act, tourist mitra shall p atrol the tourist destinations and inform the concerned
Police officer at police station having jurisdiction for initiating appropriate action against the illegal
hawkers and touts etc.
(6) The tourist mitra shall wear name tag and such uniform and insignia and other accessories
as may be determined by the state Government and shall carry a photo identity card duly displayed
on their person.
(7) The state Government may make rules not inconsistent with the provision of this Act or
any other law for the time being in force for regulating the tourist mitra.
CHAPTER VI
DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS
18. Public Private Sector Partnership and formation of joint venture. - (1) The
Government tourist entities shall engage with the private sector under a suitable Public Private
Partnership framework or joint venture arrangements to bring in private sector investment in
developing, promoting, operating and maintaining tourism i nfrastructure and facilities subject to such
rules as may be prescribed.
(2) The Government may make necessary rules for adoption of tourist destinations.
CHAPTER VII
INFORMATION ON TOURISM
19. Statistical information. - (1) Each and every owner or oper ator of the tourism trade
whether registered under the provisions of this Act or not, shall be duty bound to furnish such
statistical information or statistical data and at such intervals and in such form to such authority as
may be prescribed.
1[(2) XXX]1
1[(3) XXX]1
1. Omitted by Act 61 of 2025 w.e.f. ……………….
20. Database development and dissemination of information on Tourism. - (1) The
Department of Tourism shall establish a comprehensive tourism database for the tourism sector in
the state.
(2) The Department of Tourism shall, in respect of the data and information that it holds,
progressively make the data and information available and accessible, through any means, to all the
stakeholders.
(3) The Department of Tourism shall, to facilitate the tou rist and to promote tourism sector,
encourage setting up of various systems and facilities like tourist information desks, centres etc. for
dissemination of information on tourism.
CHAPTER VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
21. Duties of the Government. - It shall be incumbent on the Government to make
reasonable and adequate provision by any means or measures it is lawfully competent to use or take,
for each of the following matters,-
construction and maintenance of road or rail to tourist destinations;
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(a) provision for basic facilities and better access to the differently abled in the tourist
destinations;
(b) provision for basic facilities for women to meet their needs in the tourist destinations;
(c) safety and security of tourist; and
(d) any other duties as may be prescribed.
22. Duties of the Local Authorities towards public health and sanitation etc. - (1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in any law in the State, the Local Authorities under whose local
areas, the places of tourist destinations are situated, shall have the du ty to ensure cleanliness and
check defacement and defiling of the properties in their respective local area and also to effectively
enforce the laws prohibiting littering on streets and public places and maintain cleanliness of roads,
drain, man holes and maintenance of street lights and prevention of encroachments in and around
tourist destination.
(2) The Department of Tourism shall oversee the compliance of provisions contained in sub -
section (1) and may issue directions to the concerned local authorit ies for strict compliance of their
statutory duty and in case of persistent non -compliance and default, intimate action against erring
local authorities in accordance with the laws governing such local authorities.
23. Prohibition of certain activities in tourist destinations.- (1) No person shall,-
(a) commit any act of touting or malpractice against any tourist or engage in begging or
hawking articles for sale at any tourist destination;
(b) abet commission of any act of touting or malpractice against any tourist and begging
or hawking of articles for sale in tourist destination; and
(c) attempt to commit any act of touting or malpractice against any tourist in tourist
destination.
(2) Any person who,-
1[(a) Any person who contravenes the provisions of clau se (a) of sub -section (1) by
committing any act of touting or malpractice against any tourist, or by engaging in begging or
hawking articles for sale at any Area or Place of Tourism Significance, where such practice is
prohibited by rules or specific orde rs, shall be liable to penalties and administrative sanctions to
be imposed by the Prescribed Authority or Adjudicating Officer, or by Tourist Mitra for minor initial
infractions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed.
(i) For the first such offense, such person shall be liable to a monetary penalty as may be
prescribed. Where the offender is an operator of a tourism trade or holds any license or No
Objection Certificate or registration, the prescribed Author ity or Adjudicating Officer may order
the suspension of such license or No Objection Certificate or registration for a period which may
extend to three months.
(ii) For the second such offense, such person shall be liable to a monetary penalty, which
shall be significantly higher than that for the first offense, as may be prescribed. Where
applicable, the prescribed authority or adjudicating officer may order the suspension of such
license or No Objection Certificate or registration for a period which may extend to six months.
(iii) For the third or any subsequent such offense, such person shall be liable to a
monetary penalty, which shall be significantly higher than that for the second offense, as may be
prescribed. Where applicable, the prescribed authori ty or adjudicating officer shall order the
cancellation termination or of such license or No Objection Certificate or registration:
Provided that, no such monetary penalty or administrative sanction (beyond minor on-the-
spot penalties by Tourist Mitra, if prescribed for specific minor acts) shall be imposed without
giving the person concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard. The criteria for
determining continued and repeat offenses and the appellate mechanism shall be such as may
be prescribed.”
(b) Any person who contravenes the provisions of clause (b) of sub -section (1), by
abetting the commission of any act of touting or malpractice against any tourist, or the act of
begging or hawking of articles for sale in any Area or Place of Tourism Signif icance (where
prohibited), shall be liable to penalties and administrative sanctions to be imposed by the
prescribed authority or adjudicating officer in accordance with such procedure as may be
prescribed.
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(i) For the first such offense, such person shall be liable to a monetary penalty as may be
prescribed. Where the abettor is an oExcerpt shown. Open the full act in Lexace.