Chinese agents urged to monitor tourists’ behaviour
Chinese travel agencies have been urged to monitor tour groups and inform travelers of the consequences of behaving badly overseas.
The move comes after a group of Chinese travellers caused havoc on an AirAsia flight, throwing hot water at a flight attendant, causing the flight to turn back to Bangkok.
The incident provoked a public outcry in China and an online poll said 92% of people though it was ‘humiliating’ for the country’s image.
The China National Tourism Administration posted a statement asking local tourism authorities and travel agents to help control tourist behaviour.
"This incident disrupted the flight and other passengers’ schedules by forcing it to return to Bangkok. They were all punished," the statement said.
The Administration said it would consider access personal credit reports to identify possible offenders in advance.
"Before the trip, tour guides need to alert tourists about their behaviour and the consequences of breaking local laws and rules," said Wang Yanyong, director of the tourism development and planning research center at Beijing Jiaotong University.
"The urgent introduction of personal credit reporting is needed in the tourism industry. The reports needs to be shared with certain departments, such as visa application centers," he added.
China is the fastest growing outbound market in the world with over 100 million travellers venturing overseas so far this year.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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