In an effort to make Nepal a tourist friendly destination Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board will launch Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) from the 1st of January.

According to TAAN, TIMS would benefit not just the trekking agencies, travel and tour operators it will also help make Nepal a tourist friendly destination. "The number of tourists coming to Nepal won't decrease for a while even if things here remain the same, however, to improve Nepal's image in the international community this could be an important step in making Nepal a hassle free destination,� said TAAN president Jyoti Adhikari.

TAAN at a press conference Sunday stated that 'TIMS' registration has been divided into two categories� Individual trekker and Group trekker. The individual trekker will be responsible for their luggage, money and will not be able to hire extra help on the trail. The group trekkers on the other hand will be with a trekking team.

Adhikari further stated that TIMS would prevent illegal trekking agencies from operating, help track down tourist's during emergencies making rescue operations easier, help prevent weather related emergencies and improve information services. It will also prevent tourists from hiring help from trails, promote skilled labour, increase employment opportunities in the sector, increase tax-paying ability among small businesses and in the long term make tourism sustainable.