On the 30th, the "Sichuan Provincial Tourism Regulations (Revised Draft Amendment)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Revised Draft") was submitted for the third review at the 30th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th Sichuan Provincial People's Congress. The "Revised Draft" has been revised in six areas: the protection of tourism resources, the tourism development leading group, tourism standardization, tourism safety, tourism administration, and related legal liabilities.
Some members of the Standing Committee suggested that tourism resources are non-renewable, and recommended adding provisions for their protection while ensuring their rational development and utilization. Wang Xilong, deputy director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, said that after deliberation, the commission adopted this suggestion, clarifying that the regulations apply to the development, utilization, and protection of tourism resources within the administrative region of Sichuan Province, as well as to tourism operations, services, and related supervision and management activities. At the same time, Chapter II of the second draft was revised to "Tourism Promotion and Resource Protection," and new content was added stating that "the development and utilization of tourism resources shall comply with relevant laws and regulations. When constructing tourism projects using natural resources such as nature reserves, corresponding protective measures shall be taken to avoid damaging landscapes or polluting the environment. When developing tourism projects using historical and cultural districts, outstanding historical buildings, and other historical and cultural resources, their unique historical features shall be preserved, and unauthorized renovation, relocation, or demolition shall not be allowed."
Regarding tourism safety, Wang Xilong said that some members of the Standing Committee proposed further regulations on tourism safety to better protect the personal and property safety of tourists. Therefore, the "Revised Draft" adds that "facilities and equipment provided by tourism operators must meet mandatory standards and can only be put into use after being tested and approved by the relevant administrative authorities in accordance with national safety standards and prescribed procedures." It also suggests adding that "tourism operators organizing activities such as mountain climbing, rafting, hunting, or exploration, or operating high-risk projects such as bungee jumping, roller coasters, or dry-land sledding, shall strictly follow national and provincial regulations to obtain the necessary permits and approvals."
