Committee members hotly debate the issue of hikers getting into danger, saying access to undeveloped scenic areas should be prohibited

       At the 28th session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress currently underway in Beijing, committee members heard an explanation on the draft Tourism Law given by Yin Zhongqing, Vice Chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. The content covered the necessity of legislation, the general legislative approach, the main contents of the draft, as well as the scope of regulation under the law, resource protection, tourism development planning, addressing the low-level repetitive construction of tourism projects, tourism coordination mechanisms, and tourism market regulation.

　　According to Yin Zhongqing, the Tourism Law was a legislative project initiated in the early stages of reform and opening up. It had been included in both the legislative plan of the 7th NPC Standing Committee and the State Council’s legislative agenda. However, at that time, China’s tourism industry was still in its infancy, and there were differing views among relevant parties regarding some important issues involved in the legislation, preventing the draft from being submitted for deliberation.

　　Since the 8th NPC, calls within society for the formulation of a Tourism Law have grown stronger. After the establishment of the 11th NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee in 2009, it took the lead in December of that year to organize a tourism law drafting group composed of 23 departments including the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Tourism Administration, as well as relevant experts.

　　Tourism is a service industry with broad coverage, low resource consumption, high driving coefficient, strong job creation, and comprehensive benefits. To continuously enrich tourism products, improve the quality of tourism services, and promote the sustained and healthy development of the tourism industry, there is an urgent need to formulate a comprehensive tourism law. The NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, together with relevant parties, conducted in-depth research and repeatedly solicited opinions, and formed a legal draft submitted for deliberation at this session of the Standing Committee. The draft consists of ten chapters and 98 articles, covering issues of concern to the public such as tourism safety, zero or negative tour fees, scenic spot ticket prices, forced shopping, tour guide licensing, and difficulties in protecting tourists’ rights, all of which are regulated accordingly.

　　On the afternoon of the 28th, NPC Standing Committee members held group deliberations on the Tourism Law draft.

　　Jin Shuoren, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, said during group deliberations that I led the proposal for a Tourism Law back in March 2008, and I support the enactment of this law. Tourism quality has always been a hot issue of concern for tourism consumers and the general public. For example, when I visited several famous mountains in China, I saw that these naturally beautiful and exquisitely formed landscapes have now been turned into “markets.” Tourists come hoping to admire the mountains and scenery, but end up being forced to stroll through markets. The best spots on famous attractions are contracted out to locals, and you can’t even take photos without paying. It leaves one feeling excited at first but disappointed upon leaving. He suggested that the Tourism Law clearly specify the proportion and type of commercial outlets within scenic areas, further regulate scenic management, enhance tourism quality, and allow consumers to experience real tourism.

　　Zhang Zhongwei, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, stated during group deliberations that the Tourism Law should emphasize ecological benefits. Ecotourism is what people want and is the general trend. Protecting the ecology is a key and difficult aspect of tourism development and is also crucial to the scientific development of the tourism industry.

　　Committee member Dalelihan Mamihan suggested that tourism development must be organically integrated with environmental protection, developing while protecting, and disorderly and destructive development must be prevented. Tourism development today also brings some negative impacts. For instance, some scenic spots in Xinjiang were originally pastures, but are now often fenced off as tourist sites. Some development is disorderly, so protection must be emphasized in the process of development.

　　Zhang Xingkai, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, proposed during group deliberations that the Tourism Law pays considerable attention to the safety of organized and group tours, but has almost no regulations concerning the safety of independent or free-travel tourism. He suggested adding clauses related to the safety of independent and free-travel tourism. Because tourism is not only about the development of the tourism industry, but also relates to national health, national happiness, and the important aspects of social harmony and development, reflecting the national image, the quality of citizens, and national security.

　　Zhou Tienong, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, believes that there is another situation emerging—there are many spontaneous tourism activities going to non-open scenic areas, including adventure-type tourism, commonly referred to as “travel buddies” or “驴友.” The troubles encountered by these “travel buddies” are numerous, with multiple incidents already occurring, such as playing in undeveloped areas with no safety measures in place. During their adventures, they encounter sudden weather changes or get lost due to unfamiliar paths, leading to many dangers. On one hand, over the years there have been many touching stories of rescue efforts, but on the other hand, tremendous resources have been wasted, with large-scale mobilization and very high costs. How to solve this problem? I hope this will also be considered when formulating the Tourism Law.