CHENGDU, Nov 23 (Bernama) — The Tourism Ministry will take serious action against tour operators, including having thier licences revoked, if they continue to offer zero-fare tours to lure tourists to Malaysian shores.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen hoped tour operators would be more disciplined to ensure transparency in the industry or else the government would intervene to resolve the problem.

“The ministry will not tolerate operators who offer zero-fare tours as it is an unhealthy practice which will affect the country’s image.

“The moment we receive such complaints, the ministry will act immediately against the related tour operators, including revoking their licences,” Dr Ng said after calling on Sichuan Province Director of Tourism Administration Zhang Gu on Monday.

Zhang raised the problem of zero-fare tours during the meeting with Dr Ng, who is on a working trip to China, and both parties reached a consensus to resolve the issue.

Tour operators offer free accomodation and meals, under zero-fare tours, to lure Chinese tourists to Malaysia.

The tourists are taken on a shopping spree to selected shops where shop owners end up paying for their expenses including air fare.

Meanwhile, the ministry and Chengdu’s Tourism Administration of Sichuan Province will soon sign a memorandum of understanding to promote bilateral tourism.

Following the memorandum, both parties would share data, encourage local residents to visit Malaysia and vice versa and cooperate closely to resolve problems emerging on the tourism front of both countries.

Zhang will lead a delegation, including tour operators, members of the media and entrepreneurs to sign the memorandum in Malaysia.

Responding to this, Dr Ng said she would discuss with International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed on the possibility of organising a seminar for entrepreneurs from Chengdu and Malaysia with the aim of discussing mutual investment.

–BERNAMA