LAHORE  -  Punjab Tourism Secretary Asadullah Faiz Monday directed the Department of Tourist Services to take stern action against the unregistered online tour operators and booking websites.

Official sources said that a website “booking.com” was operating illegally and classifying hotels without any authority. The tourism secretary said that it was illegal to classify a hotel as 3-Star or 4-Star without any license. He said that travel agents and tour operators working on social media were bound to get themselves registered. “People should also take precautions while booking a hotel room online and keep a check regarding its licensing and registration,” he added. Asadullah Faiz said that recently, 31 hotels and restaurants came under the legal authority and registered themselves, in which, nine hotels from Murree were also issued licence from the deputy controller of the Department of Tourist Services.

“The department checked almost 301 hotels and collected fines of Rs1.6 million while 109 hotels were issued warning notices as well,” he maintained. The tourism secretary said that the department was working with determination to provide facilities to tourists in Punjab.