SOP for Tourism Service Providers | Guidelines for Quality Tourism in Bodoland

1. Introduction

This policy aims to regulate and promote the tourism industry by ensuring that all tourism service providers operate in a manner that enhances the quality of services and ensures the safety and satisfaction of tourists.

2. Definitions

Tourism Service Provider: Any individual or entity offering services related to tourism, including but not limited to accommodation (Hotels, Resorts, Lodges, Homestay, B&B etc), Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Guides/Escorts, Adventure Tour Operators and Jeep Safari service providers.

Registration Authority: The designated government body responsible for the registration and regulation of tourism service providers.

3. Registration Requirements

Eligibility: All tourism service providers must be registered with the Registration Authority which is the Tourism Department, BTC to operate legally.

Documents to be submitted with Application form:

Proof of identity and address.
Details of the services offered.
Proof of ownership or lease of the premises.
Proof of ownership of Jeepsy with relevant registration documents.
A copy of business / trade license.
Proof of safety and emergency license (Accommodation & Restaurant).
FSSAI license (Accommodation & Restaurant)
GST Registration. (All service providers except Jeepsy)
Business Pan Card. (All service providers except Jeepsy)

4. Inspection and Verification

● The Registration Authority i.e, Tourism Department, BTC will conduct inspections to verify the information provided in the application.
● Inspections will ensure compliance with safety, hygiene, and service quality standards.

5. Issuance of Registration Certificate

● Upon successful verification, a registration certificate will be issued.
● The certificate must be displayed prominently at the place of business.

6. Renewal of Registration

● Registration must be renewed annually.
● Renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 (Thirty) days before the expiry of the current registration.
● The renewal process will include a review of compliance with all regulatory requirements.

7. Compliance and Monitoring

● Registered tourism service providers must adhere to all applicable laws and regulations of the Tourism Department.
● Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance.
● Non-compliance may result in penalties, suspension, or cancellation of registration.

8. Grievance Redressal

● A grievance redressal mechanism will be established to address complaints from tourists.
● Complaints can be submitted to the Registration Authority, the Tourism Department, which will investigate and take appropriate action.

9. Penalties for Non-Compliance

● Penalties for non-compliance with the registration policy may include suspension or cancellation of registration.
● Severe violations may result in legal action.

10. Amendments

● The Tourism Department, BTC reserves the right to amend this policy as necessary to address emerging issues and improve the regulation of tourism services.
● All operational tourism service providers as defined in Section 2 have to be registered under The Tourism Department, BTC.

General Terms and Conditions for Registration of Tourism Service Providers

1. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting a registration application, the applicant (hereinafter referred to as the "Service Provider") unconditionally accepts these Terms and Conditions.

2. Eligibility

To be eligible for registration, the Service Provider must:

● Be a legally constituted entity within the BTR Districts.
● Possess the necessary licenses, permits, and approvals to operate the tourism business.
● Comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
● Maintain adequate insurance coverage for its operations.
● Fall under one of the following categories:
- ○ Accommodation providers: Hotels, Resorts, Lodges, Homestays, Bed and Breakfasts etc.
- ○ Tour Operators
- ○ Adventure Tourism Operators
- ○ Guides / Escorts
- ○ Restaurants
- ○ Jeepsy Service Providers

3. Application Process

● The Service Providers must complete the registration application form accurately and truthfully, specifying the category of tourism service provided.
● All information provided in the application must be current and complete.
● The Regulatory Authority-Tourism Department reserves the right to verify the information provided by the Service Providers.

4. Registration Fee

● A non-refundable registration fee is payable upon submission of the application.
● Additional fees may apply for specific services or licenses based on the category of the Service Providers.

Fee Chart:

1. Accommodation providers
i) Hotels, Resorts and Lodges	:	Rs. 2000/-
ii) Homestays and Bed & Breakfasts	:	Rs 1000/-
2. Tour Operators	:	Rs 2000/-
3. Guides	:	Rs 1000/-
4. Adventure Tourism Operators	:	Rs 2000/-
5. Restaurants	:	Rs 1000/-
6. Jeepsy Service Provider	:	Rs. 1000/-

5. Registration Certificate

● Upon successful completion of the registration process, the Tourism Department will issue a registration certificate to the Service Provider.
● The registration certificate will specify the category of tourism service provided.
● The registration certificate is valid for 1 (One) Year and is subject to renewal.

6. Obligations of the Service Providers

● The Service Provider agrees to:
- ○ Comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
- ○ Maintain accurate records of its operations.
- ○ Allow inspections and audits by the Regulatory Authority.
- ○ Provide accurate and up-to-date information to the Tourism Department.
- ○ Adhere to the code of conduct and ethical standards set by the Regulatory Authority (Tourism Department, BTC).
- ○ Comply with any specific regulations applicable to their category of tourism service (e.g., food safety standards for restaurants, safety guidelines for adventure tourism operators).

7. Modification of Terms and Conditions

● The Tourism Department, BTC reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.
● Any changes will be communicated to the Service Provider in advance.

8. Termination of Registration

● The Regulatory Authority(Tourism Department) may terminate the registration of a Service Provider for:
- ○ Non-compliance with these Terms and Conditions.
- ○ Violation of applicable laws, rules, or regulations.
- ○ Misrepresentation or fraud in the registration process.
- ○ Serious complaints or breaches of consumer protection laws.
- ○ Failure to meet specific category-related requirements (e.g., safety standards for adventure tourism operators).
● Guidelines.
- the Guidelines for specific Service providers has been listed in the Annexure I "Book of Guidelines"

9. Limitation of Liability

● The Tourism Department shall not be liable for any damages or losses incurred by the Service Provider as a result of the registration process or the issuance of a registration certificate.

10. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of BTC and Tourism Department, BTC.

SOP Tourism Services Providers Registration

1. Introduction

2. Definitions