Its president Tonny Chew wants the government to set up a panel to tackle the woes faced by the industry and act against these illegal operators.
"We want authorities to put a stop to the illegal use of 'white vans' by certain quarters to transport tourists from one place to another. He added illegal tour operations as well as unregulated accommodation providers like AirBnB and illegal homestay are affecting licensed tours, hotels and homestay operators.The organisations include the Sabah Tourist Association , Malaysia Budget Hotel Association , Persatuan Pemandu Pelancong Berlesen Bumiputera and Negeri Sabah
Chew also assured the minister that STF will be receptive to any ideas or suggestions for industry players to take up for the good of the tourism industry.