Vang Vieng to Impose Regulation on Paramotors & Hot Air Balloons Use

Source: Vientiane Times

Authorities in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, are looking at ways to regulate the use of paramotors and hot air balloons, which have been introduced as leisure activities for tourists.

The district’s Information, Culture and Tourism Office says these activities are very popular with tourists, but they are high-risk and unregulated.

Several of the businesses offering these services are not fully licensed and the equipment used has not been vetted and is of questionable quality, officials say.

Accidents have occurred on several occasions, which have tarnished the reputation of the increasingly popular tourist hotspot.

District authorities have teamed up with the relevant sectors in an attempt to regulate these services and have invited the operators for talks on the use and management of these activities.

Paramotors and hot air balloons became another fixture on the tourist playground itinerary in 2009 when only one company offered these services.

There are now 13 companies providing rides in paramotors and hot air balloons while three are in the process of obtaining permission for such operations. At present, at least 10 hot air balloons and 21 paramotors are available for use.