by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | africa, culture, environment, public policy, rules and regulations
In Arusha, Tanzania recently unveiled the “Safari Guide Code of Conduct and Ethics” aimed at elevating its tourism landscape. This extensive document, crafted by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), seeks to maintain high professional standards and encourage ethical behavior within the nation’s travel sphere.
Available in nine global languages, the code is being evaluated by current tour operators and guides to guarantee full compliance among all players in the tourism arena. According to TATO Chairman Mr. Willy Chambulo, “This handbook encompasses numerous regulations such as vehicular and driving norms, respect for local cultures, conservation measures, personal cleanliness, attire rules, and general decorum.”
As an overarching body representing over 400 businesses spanning tours, accommodations, agency services, and supplies, TATO hosted specialized sessions instructing driver-guides about this updated set of moral codes. During one such event, Chambulo highlighted that despite recovering from disruptions caused by COVID-19, Tanzanian tourism experienced robust annual expansion rates between 15% – 20%.
For instance, revenue derived from travels surged up to $3.66 billion last year—a hike of approximately 8.38%, relative to figures recorded previously in 2023—thanks largely due to augmented promotional endeavors undertaken jointly by governmental bodies alongside commercial sectors. Consequently, plans have been laid out aiming toward achieving a target sum of $6 billion ($14 trillion equivalent locally) via incoming travelers anticipated to reach around five million before year-end per strategies detailed in FYDP III covering fiscal years through mid-decade.
Mr. Chambulo elaborated further: “Implementing our latest behavioral framework entailed consultations directly involving chauffeurs plus accompanying staff members concerning revisions made since initial publication.”
Moreover, digital access remains possible thanks to integration into corresponding Quick Response (QR) links facilitating immediate retrieval regardless location globally amongst prospective guests intending visits soonest thereafter.
Nay Paul, employed under Zara Adventure Tours based near Mount Kilimanjaro shared her perspective emphasizing applicability beyond just those leading excursions specifically stating relevance extends equally relevant for broader stakeholder communities encompassed therein. Similarly voiced sentiments were echoed similarly by Idd Jumaane stressing pivotal role played by frontline representatives acting effectively like unofficial goodwill envoys reflecting positively upon destination attractiveness overall experience quality perceived externally thus enhancing reputation significantly outward facing dimensions thereof impacting potential influx volumes considerably long term prospects accordingly aligned strategically moving forward henceforth.
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by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | banking, mobile technology, money, payment processing, rules and regulations
MANILA — The Bank of the Philippine Islands now mandates a revised format for check deposits via its mobile application.
Starting
April 1
Customers planning to deposit their checks digitally should write “BPI/” followed by the payee’s BPI account number above the payee’s name.
Behind the check, they must also include the date of the mobile check deposit along with the payer’s signature.
The previous format mandated that clients write the payer’s account number at the back of the check.
BPI stated that they will process checks in their present form—which looks like what’s depicted below—only up until
March 31.
The bank mentioned that these new rules align with the updated mobile check deposit guidelines set by the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC).
The lender mentioned that their app’s mobile check deposit feature accepts checks for amounts under ₱500,000.
BPI mentioned that mobile check deposits will follow the same clearing guidelines as those submitted at physical branch locations. Any checks received after 3 PM, on weekends, or public holidays will be handled on the subsequent business day.
BPI reduces InstaPay transfer charges to PHP 10.
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by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | culture, laws and regulations, regulation, rules and regulations, tourists
Bali has implemented a set of new rules for visitors in an effort to curb improper conduct.
The authorities state that these stringent measures are designed to protect the cultural integrity and holy locations of the Indonesian island.
The rules cover clothing and behaviour when visiting temples and religious complexes, including prohibiting menstruating women from entering.
The mayor has warned that some transgressions could be met with legal consequences under Indonesian law.
Updated regulations for managing foreign visitors in Bali
The new regulations were introduced by Bali Governor I Wayan Koster on March 24th.
“We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt. This ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values,” Koster said.
The guidelines emphasize maintaining respectful conduct when visiting holy sites and require the payment of
Bali
’s tourist levy.
Tourists are required to hire only licensed guides and stay in approved accommodations, adhere to traffic regulations, and trade money exclusively at designated locations.
“I am putting this directive into effect immediately to manage foreign tourists during their stay in Bali,” Koster said additionally.
Updated regulations prohibit improper images and disposable plastic items.
The updated regulations mandate that visitors should dress modestly and show respect by behaving appropriately in various locations such as places of worship, eateries, commercial zones, or streets.
Visitors are
banned
The mayor stated that swearing, causing disruptions, or displaying rudeness towards locals, officials, or other visitors is not allowed. Additionally, he mentioned that “posting hateful messages or false information on social media platforms will also be forbidden.”
Activities that are prohibited encompass accessing holy temple zones without authorization, discarding waste indiscriminately, and operating without valid permits.
Single-use plastics such as plastic bags, Styrofoam containers, plastic straws, and beverages in plastic packaging have been prohibited.
Under the new guidelines,
foreign tourists
must respect and adhere to Balinese customs, traditions, and cultural practices, particularly during rituals” and “ensure appropriate attire when going to temples, tourist sites, or public areas.
Furthermore, foreign visitors are not allowed to enter sacred temple zones unless they are worshipping and dressed in traditional Balinese clothing. The guideline further states that menstruating women are also barred from accessing these regions.
Visitors must refrain from climbing sacred trees or monuments and are prohibited from taking inappropriate or nude photographs at religious locations.
Visitors who do not pay the required levy may encounter legal repercussions.
In February, Bali implemented a single-entry charge of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (€9) for tourists from abroad aimed at supporting preservation initiatives.
Under the new rules, tourists failing to pay the tourism tax will not be allowed entry into attractions, and individuals found breaking these regulations will encounter legal repercussions as per Indonesian laws.
Recently, Balinese authorities proposed a
daily tourist tax
Similar to the $100 (€95) Sustainable Development Charge levied on most foreign tourists visiting Bhutan.
‘We expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them’
The directive comes just a few days before Nyepi – a sacred holiday known as the day of silence – on 29 March. The festival sees the island come to a standstill for 24 hours, requiring everyone, including tourists, to stay indoors.
We’ve put together a specialized team for this mission.
tourists
“Those who misbehave will face immediate firm action,” Koster said according to The Bali Sun, a local newspaper.
He mentioned that the island’s civil service police force will keep an eye on tourists’ behavior and ensure they comply with the new rules.
“Bali is a stunning and holy island, and we ask our visitors to demonstrate the same level of respect that they receive,” Koster stated.
