(8/7/2010)
The Dean of the Tourism Faculty at Udayana University, Drs. I Putu Anom, has called on the government to take strict action against illegal transport being used to carry tourists in Bali.
Decrying the use of unlicensed vehicles by hotels and villas to carry visitors, Anom said that Bali’s tourism image will be damaged by unlicensed and unregulated transportation. Regulations require that all vehicles used to transfer tourists on Bali be operated by a registered transportation company and comply with minimum safety inspection requirements.
Underlining the danger posed to tourism by "gypsy" transport operators and accommodation providers that operate unregistered transport, Anom cited incidents when unlicensed transport have abandoned their passengers and failed to act responsibly when accidents occur.
In addition, licensed tourist transportation providers in Bali, including the members of the United Tourist Transport Association in Bali (PAWIBA) , suffer due to the damage done to their reputation by unlicensed transport providers.
Anom called on Pawiba, as a victim of unlicensed and illegal transport operations, to take a lead role in demanding the government crack down on gypsy taxis and illegal transport operations. In the end, insist Anom, only licensed tourist transport should be allowed to carry tourists in Bali.
The tourism educator added that the Transportation Department in Bali should emulate recent steps taken to catch illegal guides in sweeps across the island. Similarly, transportation officials should introduce "sweeping" actions against illegal transport operators, including vehicle operated by accommodation providers.
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