Laos has launched a far-ranging enquiry into the operators of zero-dollars tours in the country.
The government hopes to improve pricing transparency for tourists by auditing and inspecting tour operators who build a low-cost tour via mandatory visits to pre-determined shops and restaurants.
The move aims to stamp out deceptive pricing and compulsory shopping visits that are often the cause of confusion and resentment by international visitors.
The government will audit operators for their accuracy in disclosing costs for transportation and accommodation, meals and entrance fees, professional guiding services and scheduled activities.
The campaign by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will target the nation's most visited heritage sites, specifically Luang Prabang.
Travel website Nomad Lawyer reported that by monitoring the relationship between guides and retailers, the government aims to ensure that visitor spending supports genuine local experiences in Luang Prabang rather than “curated commercial traps”.
Government inspectors will also pay attention to all-inclusive pricing,
Several other countries, including South Korea and Indonesia, have previously targeted zero-cost tours.