The Lao Association of Travel Agents (LATA) has called on the government to address the issue of unregulated travel agents and tour operators and set consistent processing fees for tourists, the Vientiane Times reported.
Speaking at the Lao National Chamber of Commerce, LATA representative Khamtanh Keungpanya said "Currently there are too many tour operators and we are unable to regulate them all."
Mr Khamtanh said there are now 272 tour operators nationwide, which represents a sharp increase from just over 130 in 2010.
"However, only 70 companies are registered as association members," he said.
At present, new tourism operators are being established on a rapid basis because the tourism authority is not strict enough regarding regulations and quality management. "These regulations were very strict in the past," he said.
The association has called on the state authorities to inspect tourism operators to ensure they are offering quality services and standards that meet regulations. "This is to provide a level playing field for those companies that abide by the regulations, including payment of taxes," he said.
One particular issue is that some visitors to Laos have to pay a USD1 or USD2 processing fee, which the Department of Tourism (formerly the Lao National Tourism Administration LNTA) charges through the tour companies, the report stated.
"However, tourists who visit Laos independently without using the services of a tour company do not pay that fee," he said.
For more information, visit: www.latalaos.org.
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