Issue 35, 2016, Total Issue 81
I’ve listened to Dr. Lin Zhanglin’s speech before, and it was extremely enlightening. Dr. Lin has particularly insightful perspectives on policy analysis and global vision.
Moreover, I particularly agree with one of Dr. Lin’s viewpoints: standardization is the only way for the development of the tourism industry. I believe this includes our outdoor activities and the running industry as well.
Nowadays, many campgrounds are being built, but according to our research and visits with Rui Outdoor, not everything that calls itself a campground can actually be called one. This doesn’t mean that only campgrounds can be high-end—each should have its own designation and standards.
For the development and growth of the industry, standardization plays a significant role, just as Dr. Lin Zhanglin said, “With the standard in hand, follow me—standardization is the only way for the development of the tourism industry.”
Dr. Lin Zhanglin presided over the formulation of the “Shanghai Urban Tourism Standardization System”; he led the development of 25 Shanghai local standards including the “Service Quality Requirements for Industrial Tourism Attractions,” “Service Quality Requirements for Hotels,” “Service Quality Requirements for Sightseeing Boats,” “Service Quality Requirements for Expo Family Stays,” “Part 1 of Conference Operation and Service Specifications: Conference Service Organizations,” “Basic Requirements for RV Tourism Service Areas,” and “Classification and Evaluation of Sports and Leisure Tourism Bases.” He also developed 5 national and industry standards such as the “Sightseeing Boat Service Standards” and “International Cruise Terminal Reception Service Standards.” He has presided over over 60 Shanghai tourism decision-making consultation research projects and published more than 10 papers. He was responsible for the promotion and evaluation of standards such as Shanghai industrial tourism grading, farmhouse star ratings, RV campground grading, sports tourism and leisure base grading, cultural tourism space construction assessment, and tourism enterprise standardization demonstration pilots.
The establishment and operation of RV campgrounds also face various policy obstacles. For example, the business license issue. The business scope defined by the Administration for Industry and Commerce does not include a specific category for campgrounds. Business licenses for RV campgrounds generally list RV sales, motels, hotels, or scenic areas, operating in a gray area.
In terms of policies, regulations, and standards, they are mutually reinforcing concepts. Policy is the forerunner for the development of an industry, especially an emerging industry. Regulations and laws are the bottom line for the development of an industry—its most crucial lifeline. Standards are for an industry or...