"Scenic spot ticket price increases should be announced six months in advance," "Proposed ticket price hikes should go through a public hearing," and "Tourists must not be asked for tips or forced to shop." The draft tourism law reviewed at the second session of the 12th National People's Congress Standing Committee on the 23rd focused on scenic spot tickets, emphasizing that ticket prices cannot be raised arbitrarily and that strict procedures must be followed.
For a long time, price hikes at well-known domestic scenic spots have drawn public attention. In response, the National Development and Reform Commission stipulated in 2007 that "the frequency of scenic spot ticket price adjustments must not be less than once every three years." This year marks the second "lifting of the ban" under the three-year adjustment cycle. Recently, scenic spots such as Mount Emei have successively raised their ticket prices, especially when Fenghuang Ancient Town introduced a new charging method for tourists, sparking even more controversy.
Tourist destinations should warn of risks
Li Fei, Vice Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress, explained that it is recommended to refer to the relevant provisions of the Price Law and add procedures to control the rise in ticket prices and other fees. The draft stipulates: Scenic spots built using public resources should strictly control the rise in ticket prices and additional charged items. If a price increase is proposed, a public hearing should be held; disguised price hikes are not allowed; if additional charged items have already recovered their costs, the prices should be reduced accordingly or the charges should be canceled.
According to Li Fei, the third draft of the bill also further improves measures to protect the rights and interests of tourists: First, to further facilitate tourists and ensure travel safety, the draft clarifies the government's responsibilities for tourism safety; establishes a safety risk warning system for tourist destinations; puts forward requirements for responding to emergencies during travel; and stipulates a scenic spot visitor flow control system.
Focus on "zero or negative tour fees"
"Zero or negative tour fees" generally refers to travel agencies enticing or deceiving tourists to join tours at cost or even below-cost prices, and then making up for operating costs by inducing or forcing tourists to shop or participate in additional paid tour activities, etc. Its essence is to defraud tourists and seek illegal profits.
The draft makes provisions regarding "zero or negative tour fees": "Travel agencies must not organize tour activities at unreasonably low prices, induce or deceive tourists, and obtain improper benefits such as kickbacks by arranging shopping." "Travel agencies organizing or receiving tourists must not designate specific shopping venues or arrange additional paid activities."
In addition, the draft stipulates that travel agencies should fully pay tour guides for their services; travel agencies must not require tour guides to advance payments or charge them any fees; the organizing agency should pay the local receiving agency no less than the cost of reception and services.
"Tourists must not be asked for tips, nor must they be induced, deceived, forced, or indirectly forced to shop." The draft enforces occupational bans for serious violations by tour guides and team leaders, with ban periods of up to three years. During the penalty period, they may not reapply for tour guide or team leader certificates or engage in travel agency operations.