New law adopted to protect tourists
Source: Xinhua |
April 26, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA'S top legislature yesterday adopted a law on tourism to better protect the rights of tourists and clear the way for the industry's sustainable development.
The Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress approved the bill at its bi-monthly session, which ended yesterday.
It was the first law adopted by the 12th NPC Standing Committee, which had its first meeting in March this year. The law will come into effect on October 1.
The long-awaited tourism bill is designed to regulate the tourism market, safeguard tourists' rights and interests, ensure reasonable use of resources, and foster the industry's sustainable and healthy growth, the NPC's Law Committee said while explaining the bill during the session.
The new law outlines measures to address key problems - unfair competition, wanton price hikes, and forced purchases of goods - which have plagued the travel industry in China.
The law includes provisions to counter the rampant practice of "zero- or negative-fare tours" that undermine the legitimate interests of tourists and businesses.
"Zero or negative-fare tours" usually refer to tour services sold by travel agents at or below cost in order to attract travelers, who are later forced to purchase goods or tip agents during their tour.
The law also stipulates that fixed-price tours should clearly list itineraries, content and duration of each travel session, transportation, hotel and dining services.
The Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress approved the bill at its bi-monthly session, which ended yesterday.
It was the first law adopted by the 12th NPC Standing Committee, which had its first meeting in March this year. The law will come into effect on October 1.
The long-awaited tourism bill is designed to regulate the tourism market, safeguard tourists' rights and interests, ensure reasonable use of resources, and foster the industry's sustainable and healthy growth, the NPC's Law Committee said while explaining the bill during the session.
The new law outlines measures to address key problems - unfair competition, wanton price hikes, and forced purchases of goods - which have plagued the travel industry in China.
The law includes provisions to counter the rampant practice of "zero- or negative-fare tours" that undermine the legitimate interests of tourists and businesses.
"Zero or negative-fare tours" usually refer to tour services sold by travel agents at or below cost in order to attract travelers, who are later forced to purchase goods or tip agents during their tour.
The law also stipulates that fixed-price tours should clearly list itineraries, content and duration of each travel session, transportation, hotel and dining services.
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