[/floatl]Asahi: Unlicensed guides overrun tour market
Tourism industry officials fear an influx of unlicensed tour guides for foreign visitors is taking business from those with proper credentials, many of whom have undertaken extensive study to gain the right qualifications. Officials say unlicensed guides are undercutting legitimate guide-interpreters by charging relatively cheap rates. Some fear the unlicensed guides, many of whom are foreigners, could project an undesirable image of Japan at a time when the nation is seeking to attract more international visitors. Under the guide-interpreter business law, established about 60 years ago, only those who have passed national or local government exams can charge fees as guide-interpreters...In late February, officials from the Kanto District Transport Bureau visited Tokyo's Asakusa district...After questioning more than 10 guides serving overseas visitors during a two-hour period, the officials could not find a single guide with proper qualifications...While penalties under the guide-interpreter business law were raised from 30,000 yen to 500,000 yen in 2006, according to the Japan Tourism Agency, there has never been a single case in which a guide has been fined...more...
