LAHORE, June 30: The Department of Tourist Services, Punjab has cancelled licenses of nine travel agents and tour operators for violations of rules and regulation.

Provincial Tourist Services chief Muhammad Nasim Labar told APP on Sunday defaulters were reminded several times to pay the renewal fee but in vain. He said licences were cancelled in a transparent manner and in line with government policy across the Punjab province except Rawalpindi Division.

He said that nearly 1,000 travel agents and tour operators were registered, of which 75 per cent were engaged in conducting tours for Umra and Haj while the remaining were concerned with air ticketing.

He said that a special counter had been established to facilitate travel agents and tour operators through a one-window operation.

Meanwhile, licensing section in charge of the Punjab Assistant Controller, Tourist Services, Wazir Ahmad Bosan, has warned travel agents and tour operators to clear their financial liabilities towards Tourist Services Department well in time otherwise their licences will be cancelled.—APP