The Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, is planning to launch an app, ‘Namma Guide’ and has invited tech-savvy organisations, including startups within the State, to participate in its development.

K.J. George, Minister for Energy and Tourism, said in a release, “The role of our local guides is paramount in elevating the State’s tourism to international standards. Modelled after foreign systems, the ‘Namma Guide’ website and app will be developed to enable tourists in our State to access guide services easily and transparently. In addition to providing tourists with excellent information and a superior experience, this will provide greater strength to the cleanliness and maintenance of our historical and natural sites. Talented startups in the State will be given the opportunity to build this innovative platform.”

Trilok Chandra K.V., Secretary, Department of Tourism, said, “At present, in foreign countries, there are systems where tourists can easily book their preferred guides online. The primary objective is to launch a similar state-of-the-art online platform in Karnataka..”

Mr. Trilok Chandra added, “Local guides are crucial in providing accurate information about the history, culture, and significance of the respective areas to domestic and international tourists visiting any tourist destination in the State. This new online platform will make it convenient for tourists to easily connect with local guides and explore tourist spots. Additionally, this initiative will generate more employment opportunities for the guides already registered with the Department of Tourism.”

He also stated that there are around 500 licenced tour guides, including those licenced by the Department of Tourism, Government of India and Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka.

“We have listed 240 approved guides with their names, addresses, and contact numbers on the official website of the Department of Tourism. Tourists can refer to this list and book guides on their own. Soon, we will update this list with more names of guides along with videos of their portfolios and other details. Launching the app will streamline the process, generate more employment for guides and ensure regulated payments,” he added.

When asked about unlicenced tour guides, Mr. Trilok said, “We have repeatedly warned these ‘guides’ as it snatches away the business of licenced tour guides. Tourists must also be wary about who they hire when planning a trip.”

Licenced tour guides welcomed the move. Dinesh Kumar, one such tour guide from Mysuru, said, The launch of such an app will not only save tourists from harassment but also help tour guides earn well. The app should display the expertise of tour guides, the languages we offer, and the types of experiences available for tourists.”

Mr. Dinesh suggested that the app should include features for booking accommodation and providing meals for guides, as travel companies do not offer them allowances.

Rudramuni S.V., another tour guide at Hampi, while welcoming the move, pointed out that there are many unlicenced tour guides in Hampi and Anegundi who take away their customers.

Mr. Rudramuni said, “Getting an assignment is a big challenge for guides. Sometimes, I wait near the monuments for tourists and other times, homestays get in touch with me to guide tourists. Though we are paid an honorarium of ₹5,000 per month by the State government, it is not sufficient for us to fulfil the basic needs of our family.”